Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is a comforting dish that wraps tender chicken in a creamy blend of provolone and parmesan cheeses, creating a perfectly golden and gooey topping. This recipe brings warmth and joy to any dinner table, offering a satisfying meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious. The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and smooth cheese makes each bite a delightful combination of savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this gluten-free recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The creamy sauce enveloping the juicy chicken breasts makes this recipe a go-to whenever you need a little extra comfort. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad, and you have a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¾ cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish.
- Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle this blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Lay slices of provolone cheese over each chicken breast.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the provolone-covered chicken.
- Bake the dish for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a warm and comforting meal that brings people together. This recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy cheese topping, creating a mouthwatering blend of flavors that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a cold night or something special for a family gathering, this recipe is a perfect choice. But what makes it stand out, and why should it be a staple in your cooking repertoire? Let’s dive into the background, benefits, and reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your weekly meal plan.
A Recipe with a Story
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken has roots in classic American comfort food, with an Italian twist thanks to the use of provolone cheese. It draws inspiration from baked chicken dishes that have been served at family dinner tables for generations. This recipe gained popularity because of its simplicity and the way it blends traditional flavors with a creamy, cheesy finish. The use of provolone cheese, known for its smooth melting quality, alongside the sharpness of parmesan, elevates a simple chicken dinner to a restaurant-quality experience.
In the colder months, dishes like this bring a sense of warmth and nostalgia, reminiscent of family gatherings around a cozy kitchen. The rich aroma that fills the house while the chicken bakes is enough to bring everyone to the table. It’s a recipe that’s passed from cook to cook, each adding their own special touch, and it’s versatile enough to be adapted to your personal tastes or dietary needs.
The Benefits of Golden Baked Provolone Chicken
1. High in Protein:
Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and maintaining muscle. With each serving of this dish, you’re getting a healthy dose of high-quality protein, making it ideal for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Protein-rich meals like this can help keep you feeling fuller for longer, reducing the urge to snack between meals.
2. Nutrient-Rich Ingredients:
The use of provolone and parmesan cheeses adds not only richness to the flavor but also a boost of calcium and other essential nutrients. Calcium is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth, and the combination of these cheeses makes the dish a tasty way to include more calcium in your diet. Additionally, garlic powder and Italian seasoning provide antioxidants, which can support overall health and wellness.
3. Low-Carb Option:
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this recipe is a great fit. Unlike breaded chicken dishes, the Golden Baked Provolone Chicken has no added breadcrumbs or flour, keeping the carbohydrate content low. This makes it an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal without overloading on carbs. Pair it with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the entire meal in line with your dietary goals.
4. Gluten-Free and Easy to Adapt:
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Just be sure to use gluten-free certified mayonnaise and sour cream to ensure no cross-contamination. For those looking to reduce fat content, swapping out regular mayonnaise for a light version is a simple way to adjust the recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Why This Recipe is the Best
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken stands out for several reasons:
1. Easy to Make:
This recipe is beginner-friendly, requiring only a few basic ingredients and simple steps. Even those who are new to cooking can easily prepare this dish with confidence. All you need is a baking dish, a few pantry staples, and an oven, making it perfect for weeknights when time is short but you still want a delicious home-cooked meal.
2. Rich and Creamy Flavor:
The combination of provolone, parmesan, mayonnaise, and sour cream creates a creamy, golden crust that envelops the chicken. As the dish bakes, the cheese melts and melds with the mayonnaise and sour cream, creating a luscious topping that is both smooth and tangy. The result is a beautifully browned, golden layer of cheese that contrasts perfectly with the tender chicken underneath.
3. Customizable for Any Occasion:
This dish is as versatile as it is delicious. It can be dressed up with herbs like fresh parsley or chives for a dinner party or kept simple for a weeknight family dinner. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach underneath the cheese for a veggie boost. You can also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Swiss if you don’t have provolone on hand.
4. Minimal Clean-Up:
With only a baking dish and a couple of mixing bowls needed, this recipe minimizes kitchen mess. The simple preparation process means fewer dishes to wash afterward, allowing you to enjoy the meal and spend more time with loved ones instead of cleaning up the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
To create a complete meal around Golden Baked Provolone Chicken, consider serving it alongside:
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make excellent companions to this creamy dish, balancing out the richness of the cheese with fresh, crisp flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For a truly comforting meal, pair this chicken with a side of creamy mashed potatoes. The garlic in the potatoes complements the garlic seasoning on the chicken, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a lighter option, try cauliflower rice. It soaks up the extra sauce from the chicken, adding another layer of texture while keeping the dish low-carb.
- Simple Garden Salad: A salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
1. Use a Meat Thermometer:
To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents overcooking, which can dry out the chicken.
2. Let it Rest:
After removing the chicken from the oven, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that every bite is as tender and juicy as possible. It also gives the cheese topping a chance to set slightly, making it easier to serve without losing any of the creamy goodness.
3. Don’t Skip the Seasoning:
The blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning is what makes this dish flavorful from the inside out. Make sure to season the chicken well before adding the cheese and creamy topping to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor.
A Recipe That Creates Memories
What sets Golden Baked Provolone Chicken apart is not just its taste but the memories it helps create. It’s a dish that brings people to the table, inviting conversation and connection. The warm, cheesy aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is a prelude to the smiles that follow when the first bite is taken. It’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for an easy dinner solution, a novice cook wanting to try something new, or someone who just loves the combination of tender chicken and melting cheese, Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is sure to become a favorite. With its simplicity, versatility, and unbeatable flavor, it’s a recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a special occasion.
Conclusion
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is everything you could want in a comfort dish—rich, creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a versatile recipe that can fit into various dietary needs and preferences without sacrificing taste. The ease of preparation combined with the mouthwatering results makes it a winner for any occasion, whether you’re serving it to guests or simply enjoying a cozy night at home. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation, bringing a touch of golden warmth to your dinner table every time.
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Golden Baked Provolone Chicken
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Description
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is a comforting dish that wraps tender chicken in a creamy blend of provolone and parmesan cheeses, creating a perfectly golden and gooey topping. This recipe brings warmth and joy to any dinner table, offering a satisfying meal that is as easy to make as it is delicious. The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and smooth cheese makes each bite a delightful combination of savory flavors. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this gluten-free recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you can create a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The creamy sauce enveloping the juicy chicken breasts makes this recipe a go-to whenever you need a little extra comfort. Serve with a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad, and you have a meal that’s both nourishing and indulgent.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 slices provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 3/4 cup shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish.
- Mix together the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a small bowl, then sprinkle this blend evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Lay slices of provolone cheese over each chicken breast.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and parmesan cheese until smooth. Spread this mixture evenly over the provolone-covered chicken.
- Bake the dish for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to ensure maximum juiciness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour