Description
This creamy baked chicken recipe features tender boneless breasts coated in a luscious cheese and mayonnaise mixture, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, it’s an easy and flavorful main dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts, 1/2 pound each)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Breadcrumbs and Herbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to ensure even thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Make cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Apply cheese mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley evenly over the top of the cheese-coated chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly minced parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
