Crunchy Chicken Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crunchy Chicken Cheese Bake, a mouthwatering casserole that perfectly balances savory flavors and irresistible textures. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to perfection before being smothered in a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and cheddar. The dish is crowned with a buttery topping of crushed Ritz crackers for a delightfully crispy crust that bakes to golden brown perfection. Ready in just 45 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve alongside your favorite sides for a crowd-pleasing meal that oozes with cheesy goodness.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups Ritz crackers
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned but not fully cooked. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Spread a spoonful of the cheese mixture over the top of each seared chicken breast and arrange the chicken pieces in the prepared baking dish.
Crush the Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and place them in a small bowl. Melt the butter and pour it over the crumbs, stirring until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the cheese-topped chicken breasts, ensuring all pieces are evenly covered.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2666 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 232.2 g | 298% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.4 g | 602% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 564 mg | 188% | |
| Sodium | 5486 mg | 239% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 64.7 g | 24% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.6 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.5 g | ||
| Protein | 89.4 g | 179% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 2260 mg | 174% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 354 mg | 8% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
