Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken
Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts baked with provolone, parmesan, and a creamy sauce. A comforting, easy dinner idea!
Have you ever stumbled upon a recipe that instantly becomes your go-to for, well, everything? That’s exactly what happened when I made Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken for the first time. It all started on one of those “what’s left in the fridge?” kind of nights. You know, the ones where takeout is calling your name, but you’re determined to make something at home.
I had some chicken breasts that needed using, a lonely packet of provolone cheese, and just enough mayonnaise and sour cream to whip something up. I threw it all together, popped it in the oven, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much. But when I pulled it out—bubbly, golden, and smelling like a fancy Italian bistro—I knew we had a winner.
My family went nuts. My husband kept saying, “This is restaurant-quality,” and my kids cleaned their plates without a single complaint (rare, right?). Since then, this dish has been on repeat for weeknights, dinner parties, and even potlucks. It’s simple, cheesy, and ridiculously satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken Recipe?
Here’s why this Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Minimal Effort, Big Flavor: It’s a dump-and-bake situation that tastes like you spent hours.
- Perfectly Moist Chicken: The creamy topping locks in moisture, so no dry chicken here!
- Cheesy Heaven: Provolone and parmesan bring just the right amount of melty, tangy goodness.
- Crowd-Pleaser: From picky kids to dinner guests, this dish gets rave reviews every time.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s chat about the simple ingredients that make this dish shine:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is easy and cooks quickly, but thighs work if you like a richer flavor.
- Provolone Cheese: The star of the show! It’s mild, creamy, and melts beautifully.
- Mayonnaise and Sour Cream: These create the ultimate creamy topping and keep the chicken ridiculously moist.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor and gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
- Garlic Powder and Italian Seasoning: These simple seasonings pack a flavorful punch without overpowering the cheese.
Pro Tip: If your chicken breasts are super thick, give them a quick pound with a rolling pin to even them out. They’ll cook more evenly and soak up all the cheesy goodness.
How To Make Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken?
This dish is as easy as it gets—no fancy techniques, just delicious results.
- Preheat and Prep the Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. (This dish is already easy—don’t make cleanup harder than it has to be!) - Season the Chicken
Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer in the baking dish. Sprinkle them with half the seasoning mixture—salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t worry about perfection; just give them a nice, even coat. - Add the Cheese
Lay two slices of provolone over each chicken breast. Yes, two slices—it’s called Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken for a reason. - Make the Topping
In a medium bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, parmesan cheese, and the rest of the seasonings. It’ll be thick and creamy—exactly what you want. Spread this mixture evenly over the provolone-covered chicken. - Bake Until Bubbly
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to an hour. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the topping is golden and bubbly. (A meat thermometer is your best friend here—trust me.) - Serve and Savor
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices settle, so every bite is tender and delicious. Serve it up with your favorite sides, and watch it disappear!
Storage Options:
Leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep that topping crispy.
- Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Thighs are juicier and work just as well. Just adjust the cooking time slightly.
How do I know the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer! The chicken should hit 165°F in the thickest part.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to eat.
So, are you ready to make Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken your new weeknight favorite? It’s cheesy, comforting, and so easy, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner. Let me know how it turns out—I’d love to hear your tweaks or favorite sides!
Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
Prepare the Chicken
- Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer within the baking dish. In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle half of this seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
Layer with Provolone Cheese
- Place two slices of provolone cheese over each chicken breast, ensuring the surface is fully covered.
Create the Creamy Topping
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, and the remaining seasoning mix. Stir until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the provolone-topped chicken breasts, ensuring full coverage.
Bake the Chicken
- Transfer the baking dish to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The creamy topping should be golden and bubbling.
Rest and Serve
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. Serve warm, paired with your choice of side dishes.
