Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Baked Chicken with Mushrooms and Cheese, a dish that beautifully combines tender chicken breasts, earthy mushrooms, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also guarantees to impress your guests. The combination of savory herbs and the richness of cheese makes every bite a delightful experience. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal!
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- For the Mushroom Mixture:
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh mushrooms, sliced (button or cremini mushrooms work well)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and paprika. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add a little olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown. They do not need to be cooked through at this stage, as they will finish cooking in the oven.
- Make the Mushroom Mixture: In the same skillet, add butter. Once melted, add the chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms are softened and any moisture has evaporated, about 5-7 minutes. Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth or white wine, stirring to combine, and let it simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the mushroom mixture evenly over the chicken. Top each chicken breast with a generous amount of shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your cheesy baked chicken with a side of your favorite vegetables or a crisp salad!