Quick & Creamy Cheesy Baked Chicken Delight Recipe

Cheesy baked chicken crafts ordinary dinners into extraordinary culinary experiences that spark joy around the dinner table.

Melted cheese creates a golden, crispy exterior that locks in tender, juicy meat beneath.

Comfort food enthusiasts understand the magic of this simple yet satisfying dish that promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of crisp breadcrumbs and rich, gooey cheese that melts seamlessly into succulent chicken.

Bold seasonings elevate the basic protein into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece that impresses family and friends alike.

Home cooks can easily master this crowd-pleasing recipe with just a few smart techniques and quality ingredients.

Prepare to wow everyone with a meal that combines classic comfort and gourmet flair.

Why Cheesy Baked Chicken Rocks

• Create Creamy Comfort: This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of milk-soaked chicken, cheesy coating, and rich sauce guarantees maximum tenderness and flavor in every bite.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: Home cooks can effortlessly prepare a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques. The straightforward method of soaking, coating, and baking makes this recipe accessible for beginners while delivering impressive results that will wow dinner guests.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 45 minutes from start to finish, this chicken dish solves the dinnertime dilemma with minimal preparation and maximum satisfaction. Perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal that doesn't demand hours of complicated cooking.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different preferences, this recipe works great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual entertaining. The crispy cheese coating and creamy sauce appeal to both kids and adults, making it a guaranteed hit at any gathering.

What’s in Cheesy Baked Chicken

• Chicken Fillets: Tender and lean protein that forms the base of the dish, best when fresh and uniformly cut.

• Cheddar Cheese, Ritz Cracker Crumbs or Panko: Provides crispy, golden exterior with rich cheese flavor and crunchy texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.

• Milk or Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and create a moist, succulent texture.
• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Butter: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that complements the crispy chicken coating.

• Dried Parsley, Fresh Parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note and visual appeal to the finished dish.

• Cooking Spray: Ensures the chicken does not stick to the baking pan and promotes even cooking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps retain moisture during initial baking process.

Bake Cheesy Chicken with Ease

Step 1: Prep the Chicken Pieces

Slice each chicken fillet into 3 large chunks. Submerge the chicken strips in milk or buttermilk for 20-30 minutes or overnight. This magical bath keeps the chicken incredibly juicy and tender during baking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Armor

• Dish 1: Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese
• Dish 2: Mix Ritz crackers or panko with salt and pepper

Pull chicken from milk bath, press firmly into cheese, then roll in breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every inch gets a delicious crispy coating.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection

Heat oven to 375°F.

• Spray 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray
• Arrange coated chicken pieces
• Dust with dried parsley

Cover pan with aluminum foil, bake for 35 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10 minutes until chicken turns golden and crisp.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Butter

Stir until ingredients merge into a smooth, luxurious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer golden chicken from oven. Drizzle with warm sauce and scatter fresh parsley on top. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy masterpiece!

Tips for Cheesy Chicken Success

• Milk Soak Secret: Let chicken marinate in buttermilk overnight for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
• Cheese Coating Trick: Press cheese generously onto chicken to create a rich, crispy exterior that locks in flavor.
• Crumb Coverage Technique: Pat breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to ensure a perfect, even golden-brown crust.
• Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 165°F internally for safe, perfectly cooked meat.
• Sauce Smoothness Hack: Whisk sauce ingredients continuously to prevent burning and achieve a silky, creamy consistency.

Reheating Cheesy Chicken Right

• Refrigeration: Carefully transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal the container tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating: Warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve the crispy coating. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the chicken's texture and flavor.

Cheesy Chicken Combos

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Refresh your palate with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich, cheesy chicken with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Create a comforting side dish that complements the chicken's crispy texture and absorbs the delicious cream sauce perfectly.
• Add Roasted Asparagus: Bring a light, green vegetable that provides a nutritious contrast to the hearty chicken and adds a subtle earthy flavor to the meal.
• Enjoy Tangy Coleslaw: Balance the richness of the cheesy chicken with a zesty, crunchy coleslaw that provides a refreshing and cool counterpoint to the warm dish.

Chicken Bake Swaps

• Spicy Pepper Jack Crunch: Replace cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a fiery kick. Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture to enhance heat. Serve with a cooling ranch dip to balance the spiciness.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap Ritz crackers for herbed breadcrumbs. Mix in dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Top with crumbled feta cheese before baking for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Almond Coating: Substitute panko with ground almond meal and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Season with garlic powder and paprika. Bake on a parchment-lined tray for extra crispiness without compromising texture.
• Parmesan Garlic Blast: Use grated parmesan instead of cheddar. Add minced garlic to the breadcrumb mixture. Drizzle with garlic-infused olive oil before serving for an intense aromatic experience.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Delight Recipe

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4.9 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy Baked Chicken Delight brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables with golden-crusted chicken smothered in rich, melted cheese. Juicy chicken breasts paired with crispy herb-seasoned coating create a perfect meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in one simple, irresistible dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken fillets, trimmed of excess fat

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 3 cups Ritz splitter crumbs or panko breadcrumbs (about 2 sleeves of Ritz splitters, or similar)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

Liquid and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk or buttermilk
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 14 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Slice each chicken fillet into 3 generous strips, creating uniform pieces for consistent cooking and presentation.
2. Immerse chicken strips in milk or buttermilk for 20-30 minutes (or ideally overnight), which tenderizes the meat and enhances moisture retention.
3. Create two separate shallow dishes: one containing freshly grated cheddar cheese, and another mixing crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
4. Extract chicken pieces from milk, meticulously pressing each strip into the grated cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Thoroughly coat cheese-covered chicken in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to achieve a robust, crispy exterior.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
7. Arrange coated chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish, maintaining slight separation between strips.
8. Sprinkle dried parsley evenly across the chicken surface for additional flavor and visual appeal.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, protecting the chicken from excessive browning.
10. Bake covered for 35 minutes, then remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
11. Simultaneously, prepare the sauce by combining cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
12. Stir sauce ingredients continuously until fully integrated and heated throughout, creating a smooth, rich consistency.
13. Once chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), remove from oven.
14. Plate the chicken and generously drizzle with prepared sauce.
15. Garnish with fresh parsley for a final touch of color and aromatic flavor.

Notes

• Milk Soak Magic: Soaking chicken in milk or buttermilk for 20-30 minutes tenderizes the meat, creating incredibly juicy and flavorful bites that melt in your mouth.
• Cheese Coating Trick: Press chicken directly into grated cheddar before breadcrumbs to create an extra cheesy, crispy exterior that adds irresistible texture and rich flavor.
• Foil Technique: Covering the baking dish with aluminum foil during initial baking helps retain moisture, preventing the chicken from drying out and ensuring a succulent result.
• Temperature Precision: Baking at 375°F and then increasing to 400°F guarantees perfectly cooked chicken with a golden, crispy exterior and tender interior.
• Sauce Perfection: The creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and butter adds a luxurious, velvety finish that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chicken can be prepared and soaked overnight, making this recipe ideal for busy cooks looking to save time without compromising on deliciousness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 456 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 790 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 125 mg