Tender Chicken Delight
If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal, then you’re in for a treat with Tender Chicken Delight. This creamy, cheesy recipe uses simple ingredients yet yields incredibly flavorful and succulent chicken that will captivate everyone at the table.
The first time I made this recipe, my family couldn’t get enough of it. Everyone was amazed at how soft and moist the chicken turned out, with each cheesy bite melting in their mouths. Ever since that day, Tender Chicken Delight has become our go-to dish, transforming busy weeknights into cozy, memorable mealtimes.
Why This Cheesy Chicken Bake
- Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: A simple marinade ensures ultra-tender chicken.
- Rich & Creamy: A luscious coating of cheese and yogurt (or mayo) delivers maximum flavor.
- Quick Preparation: Minimal effort with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
- Great for Any Occasion: Impress guests at dinner parties or whip it up as a comforting family meal.
Ingredients (Serves 4; measurements in grams and pounds)
- Boneless Chicken Breasts (4 pieces / ~450g / ~1 lb)
- Base of the dish, providing a lean yet juicy canvas for the creamy coating.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise (200g / ~0.44 lb)
- Adds tangy creaminess or rich flavor, depending on your choice.
- Garlic Powder (5g / ~0.01 lb)
- Boosts savory depth and aromatic notes.
- Parmesan Cheese (90g / ~0.2 lb, divided)
- Infuses a salty, nutty taste into both the marinade and final topping.
- Seasoning Salt (5g / ~0.01 lb)
- Elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Black Pepper (2g / ~0.004 lb)
- Contributes a subtle kick and complexity to the seasoning blend.
How to Cheesy Chicken Bake
- Prep the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast into smaller, evenly sized pieces. - Overnight Marinade
Place the chicken in a bowl and refrigerate with a sprinkle of seasoning salt and pepper, letting the flavors soak in overnight if possible. - Mix the Creamy Blend
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together yogurt (or mayo), half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of seasoning salt and black pepper. - Assemble
Arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish. Generously coat each piece with the creamy mixture. - Top It Off
Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top to create a delicious crust. - Bake
Slide into the oven for about 40–45 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and the coating is golden brown. - Serve & Enjoy
Once done, let it rest briefly before serving. Dig in and relish the cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Tangy Twist: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to achieve a lighter, tangier flavor.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with Asiago or Romano for a different cheesy taste.
- Meal Pairings: Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes.
- This version of Tender Chicken Delight is perfect for meal prepping or impressing your guests at a dinner party.
In short, this recipe packs the perfect combination of simplicity and indulgence. One bite and you’ll see why Tender Chicken Delight is a favorite in my household—creamy, savory, and absolutely irresistible. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple on your weekly menu as well!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I marinate for less than overnight?
Yes! Even a quick 30-minute marinade will add flavor, but overnight yields maximum tenderness.2. Is there a way to reduce the fat content?
You can use low-fat Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise alternative to cut down on calories.3. Can I use different cuts of chicken?
Absolutely. Thighs or tenders work nicely; just adjust cooking time accordingly for doneness.4. How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Avoid overbaking. Check at around 35 minutes for doneness, and remove it once the center is no longer pink.5. Can leftovers be reheated?
Yes, reheat in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) or microwave gently to maintain the moist texture.Tender Chicken Delight
If you’re craving a delicious, comforting meal, then you’re in for a treat with Tender Chicken Delight. This creamy, cheesy recipe uses simple ingredients yet yields incredibly flavorful and succulent chicken that will captivate everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Boneless Chicken Breasts 4 pieces / ~450g / ~1 lb
- Base of the dish providing a lean yet juicy canvas for the creamy coating.
- Greek Yogurt or Mayonnaise 200g / ~0.44 lb
- Adds tangy creaminess or rich flavor depending on your choice.
- Garlic Powder 5g / ~0.01 lb
- Boosts savory depth and aromatic notes.
- Parmesan Cheese 90g / ~0.2 lb, divided
- Infuses a salty nutty taste into both the marinade and final topping.
- Seasoning Salt 5g / ~0.01 lb
- Elevates the dish’s overall flavor profile.
- Black Pepper 2g / ~0.004 lb
- Contributes a subtle kick and complexity to the seasoning blend.
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken
- Slice each chicken breast into smaller, evenly sized pieces.
- Overnight Marinade
- Place the chicken in a bowl and refrigerate with a sprinkle of seasoning salt and pepper, letting the flavors soak in overnight if possible.
- Mix the Creamy Blend
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a small bowl, stir together yogurt (or mayo), half of the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and a pinch of seasoning salt and black pepper.
- Assemble
- Arrange marinated chicken in a baking dish. Generously coat each piece with the creamy mixture.
- Top It Off
- Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top to create a delicious crust.
- Bake
- Slide into the oven for about 40–45 minutes, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and the coating is golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Once done, let it rest briefly before serving. Dig in and relish the cheesy goodness!
Notes
Tangy Twist: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to achieve a lighter, tangier flavor.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with Asiago or Romano for a different cheesy taste.
Meal Pairings: Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes.
This version of Tender Chicken Delight is perfect for meal prepping or impressing your guests at a dinner party.
Cheese Varieties: Experiment with Asiago or Romano for a different cheesy taste.
Meal Pairings: Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or buttery mashed potatoes.
This version of Tender Chicken Delight is perfect for meal prepping or impressing your guests at a dinner party.
