🧄 Creamy Parmesan Crusted Chicken

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Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked under a rich, cheesy topping that’s golden, bubbly, and full of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs)

  • Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for searing)

For the Creamy Topping

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Extras

  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

  • Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish

  • Red pepper flakes, for heat

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven – Set oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. If chicken is thick, slice in half horizontally or pound to 1″ thick for even cooking. Pat dry and season with salt & pepper.

  2. Optional Sear – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 min per side until golden. Transfer to prepared baking dish. (Skip this step for a simpler version.)

  3. Make the Topping – In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayo, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and Parmesan until smooth.

  4. Assemble – Spread creamy mixture generously over each chicken breast. If desired, sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar on top.

  5. Bake – Bake uncovered 35–40 min, until chicken reaches 165°F internal temp. For a golden crust, broil 2–3 min at the end—watch closely.

  6. Rest & Serve – Let rest 5 min before serving. Garnish with parsley or chives.

Tips

  • Moisture Lock – The creamy topping seals in juices, keeping chicken tender.

  • Flavor Boost – Fresh Parmesan gives richer flavor, but pre-grated works fine.

  • Spicy Kick – Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the topping mix.

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