A comforting and flavorful chicken bake with tender chicken pieces in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients:
- Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sauce:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the dried thyme and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Bake:
- Add the browned chicken pieces to the creamy sauce and stir to coat.
- Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Add Topping (Optional):
- In a small bowl mix the breadcrumbs and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the topping (if used) is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve hot with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side dish.
Tips and Variations:
- Add vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
- Use different types of cheese, such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- For a different topping, crushed ritz crackers are a great option.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little extra chicken broth or cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, create a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water, and slowly whisk into the simmering sauce until it thickens.