If you’re looking for an irresistibly cheesy, crispy-topped chicken dinner that brings everyone flocking to the table, Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight is just what your weeknight needs. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, smothered in a creamy, savory coating, crowned with a golden crust of melty provolone, Parmesan, and seasoned breadcrumbs. This dish is pure comfort food that’s stunningly simple and perfect for sharing with the people you love. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids or impressing guests, this recipe will earn a permanent spot in your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight lies in how a handful of everyday ingredients combine to create restaurant-worthy results. Each element adds to the flavor, texture, or irresistible appearance of the finished dish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make for a juicy, tender base and are easy to portion for any crowd.
- Mayonnaise or Plain Greek Yogurt: This creamy component locks in moisture and helps the seasonings adhere beautifully, with Greek yogurt as a lighter alternate.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a mellow, savory depth that permeates every bite.
- Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor with a gentle tang and subtle sweetness.
- Paprika: For that gentle warmth and gorgeous golden color on top.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the dish and balances the creamy richness.
- Black Pepper: Brings a little pep and a touch of earthy sharpness.
- Shredded Provolone Cheese: The star of the show for oozy, melty texture and savory flavor.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and helps the topping brown to perfection.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs: Guarantees an ultra-crispy top with each bite.
- Olive Oil or Melted Butter: Helps the cheese and breadcrumbs toast up irresistibly golden.
- Chopped Parsley (optional): The perfect pop of color and freshness for finishing.
How to Make Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Get things started by preheating your oven to 375°F, so everything bakes up evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or nonstick spray. This simple step keeps your chicken from sticking and guarantees easy clean-up later. Set your dish aside while you get your ingredients ready.
Step 2: Arrange the Chicken
Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer in your prepared baking dish. No overlapping! This ensures every piece cooks at the same rate and gets its fair share of crispy topping.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Coating
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture should look smooth and spreadable—think of it as a flavor-packed “blanket” that will both season and nestle your chicken in moisture as it bakes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Using a spoon or spatula, spread the creamy mixture evenly over the tops of the chicken breasts. Don’t worry about perfection; just make sure every surface has some of that magical coating. This is the secret to juicy chicken with every bite!
Step 5: Make the Cheesy Topping
In another bowl, combine the shredded provolone, grated Parmesan, seasoned breadcrumbs, and your olive oil or melted butter. Stir until everything looks nicely coated—the oil will help create that beautiful, golden, crunchy crust when baked.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Generously sprinkle the cheesy breadcrumb mixture over the coated chicken. Make sure the topping covers each breast from edge to edge! Slide the baking dish into your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temp of 165°F and the topping is a glorious golden brown. For extra crunch, run it under the broiler for a minute or two—just keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Let your Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This gives the juices time to settle so every bite is mouthwateringly tender. Scatter with chopped parsley for a splash of color, and prepare yourself for dinner table applause!
How to Serve Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight
Garnishes
A shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving brightens up the rich flavors and adds an inviting contrast. A light squeeze of lemon over the top is also fantastic, bringing a touch of freshness that wakes up each cheesy bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this chicken with classic mashed potatoes for comfort, or roasted vegetables for a colorful, nutritious balance. A crisp green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette is a simple but perfect partner—its acidity makes all the flavors sing. Warm garlic bread never goes amiss with that irresistible topping either!
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping family-style platter, arrange the chicken breasts on a large serving dish, sprinkle with herbs, and scatter some cherry tomatoes or roasted bell peppers around the edges. Or, slice each breast and fan on individual plates, finished with a drizzle of olive oil and a dusting of Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping may soften slightly but will still taste absolutely delicious, especially for next-day lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each piece tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer bag or container, and freeze for up to 2 months. The topping’s texture may change a little, but the cheesy flavor still shines when reheated.
Reheating
For the best results, place leftovers on a baking sheet and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot, about 15 to 20 minutes. This helps the crust regain some crispiness, making every bite almost as great as the first time around. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but may soften the topping more.
FAQs
Can I substitute another cheese for provolone?
Absolutely! Mozzarella, Swiss, or even a mild cheddar can work here. While provolone offers a unique melt and flavor, feel free to use what you have; just note the taste and texture will change a bit.
Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs are delicious in this recipe. You might need to extend the baking time slightly depending on thickness, but you’ll get super-juicy results.
Can I make Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight ahead of time?
You sure can. Prepare everything up until baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. When ready, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time if it’s cold from the fridge.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer and make sure the chicken registers 165°F at the thickest part. The juices should also run clear when pierced.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumb variety. All other ingredients in Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for an easy, satisfying dinner that brings people together with big flavor and plenty of smiles, Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight is your answer. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this cheesy, golden wonder as much as my family does. Gather everyone around and dig in—you’re in for a true treat!
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Golden Baked Provolone Chicken: A Family Delight Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is a delightful family dinner recipe that features tender chicken breasts topped with a golden, cheesy crust. This easy baked chicken dish is perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the baking dish. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread this mixture over the chicken.
- Make the Topping: In another bowl, combine provolone, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the chicken.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden and bubbling. Broil for extra crispiness if desired. Let rest before serving, garnish with parsley.
Notes
- Serve with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss for a different flavor.
- This recipe also works well with chicken thighs—adjust cook time accordingly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
