Introduction

Cheesy Baked Chicken Breasts are a simple and satisfying dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts baked with a flavorful blend of spices and melted mozzarella cheese create a comforting meal everyone will enjoy.

The image shows two pieces of baked chicken breast in a rectangular white baking dish, with a golden brown crispy crust at the bottom layer and a thick layer of melted cheese on top, which is gooey and stringy as one piece is lifted by a fork from a woman's hand. The cheese is slightly browned with spots of crispy bits, and fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled over the melted cheese, adding a touch of color and freshness. The dish is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub each breast with olive oil, then coat evenly with the spice mixture.
Step 4: Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast.
Step 6: Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
Substitute mozzarella with cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a different twist.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the spice mix for extra heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through to maintain the chicken’s moisture and cheese texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a baked dish with three large pieces of chicken breast covered in melted, golden-brown cheese that is bubbling and slightly crispy around the edges. Each chicken piece is topped with fresh chopped green herbs, scattered evenly, adding a pop of color. The cheese stretches as one piece is lifted by a fork with a woman's hand in the frame, showing gooey, stretchy cheese strands. The chicken sits in a light beige ceramic baking dish with two large handles, placed against a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?

Yes, but you will need to increase the baking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked. Check with a meat thermometer to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What side dishes pair well with cheesy baked chicken breasts?

This dish goes well with steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 110 reviews

This Cheesy Baked Chicken Breasts recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts seasoned with a blend of smoky and savory spices, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a deliciously cheesy finish. It’s a simple, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping and Garnish

1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken evenly.
Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick and promotes even cooking.
Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the chicken breasts all over with olive oil, then evenly coat them with the spice mixture on all sides.
Bake the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking sheet or in a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Add cheese and finish baking: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over each breast. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
Garnish and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley. Let rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

Notes

You can substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil and spices for 30 minutes before baking.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: Cheesy Baked Chicken, Baked Chicken Breasts, Mozzarella Chicken, Easy Chicken Dinner, Healthy Chicken Recipe