When I think of JustALittleBite, I imagine the perfect balance between indulgence and practicality—a dish that lets me join the useful with the enjoyable. That’s exactly what this cheesy chicken recipe is all about! It’s not just another meal; it’s an experience where rich, melted cheese meets tender, juicy chicken, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
For me, a Recipe JustALittleBite means a meal that’s so irresistibly good, one bite is never enough—but it’s also simple, quick, and perfect for any occasion. Whether I’m making this baked cheesy chicken recipe for a family dinner or a comforting lunch, I know I’m creating something that brings joy to the table without too much effort.
I love that this dish can be enjoyed in different ways—whether served over rice, tossed into cheesy chicken pasta, or paired with fresh vegetables. No matter how I make it, this simple cheesy chicken recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’re looking for a meal that lets you savor every bite while keeping things effortless, this recipe is exactly what you need!
Why I Love This JustALittleBite Recipe
If you’re anything like me, you love a comforting, cheesy meal that comes together easily. This Recipe JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken is one of my go-to dishes when I want something rich and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and incredibly easy to customize. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it never disappoints!
JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients
Here’s what I use to make this cheesy delight:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Optional Additions & Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Option: I always make sure to check labels for gluten-free certified ingredients.
- Keto-Friendly Version: I stick with heavy cream and full-fat cheese.
- Vegetarian Adaptation: When making this for my vegetarian friends, I swap the chicken for tofu or portobello mushrooms.
JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Then, I pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I sear the chicken breasts for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat.
- I pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
- Next, I gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until I get a smooth, creamy sauce.
- If I want a little heat, I sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Step 3: Combine & Bake
- I return the seared chicken to the skillet, spooning the cheesy sauce over the top.
- Then, I transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Before serving, I let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle.
How I Serve It
- Pairing Options: I love serving this with steamed broccoli, roasted veggies, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Garnish Ideas: Fresh parsley, crispy bacon bits, or an extra sprinkle of cheese always take it to the next level.
- Side Dish Favorites: Garlic bread or a fresh side salad make great accompaniments.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: When I want to meal prep, I freeze portions in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I let them thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: I warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or in the microwave for about 2 minutes.
My Expert Tips & Nutrition Highlights
- Keeping It Low-Carb: This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it a great keto-friendly option.
- Experimenting with Cheese: Sometimes, I swap out cheeses like gouda or Swiss for a new flavor twist.
- Even Cooking: I always pound the chicken breasts evenly so they cook at the same rate.
This Recipe JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken is one of my favorite comfort meals. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any occasion. I love how versatile it is, and I know you will too!
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe on social media and subscribe to my newsletter for more delicious meal ideas. Enjoy!
Everything You Should Know About JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken Recipe: FAQ Edition
What kind of cheese goes well with chicken?
When making a baked cheesy chicken recipe, the best cheeses to use are those that melt well and enhance the chicken’s natural flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are excellent choices. For a creamier texture, cream cheese or ricotta works well, especially in stuffed chicken dishes like cheesy chicken breast or marry me chicken. If you’re making a dish with a mild taste, like cheesy chicken over rice, adding Parmesan or Gouda can bring a rich, slightly nutty flavor.
Why do chefs soak chicken in milk?
Many chefs soak chicken in milk or buttermilk to tenderize the meat and enhance its juiciness. The lactic acid in milk helps break down the proteins, making the chicken more tender while also infusing it with a subtle creaminess. This technique is commonly used in cheesy chicken fingers and baked chicken breast recipes to ensure a moist and flavorful result. If you want to try it, soak the chicken for at least 30 minutes to a few hours before cooking.
What is the best melting cheese for chicken?
If you’re making a simple cheesy chicken recipe, you’ll want a cheese that melts smoothly and evenly. Mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Monterey Jack are some of the best choices. These cheeses create a gooey texture, perfect for dishes like cheesy chicken pasta or cheesy chicken with cream of chicken soup. If you’re looking for an ultra-creamy consistency, using a mix of Velveeta or Fontina can enhance the smoothness of your cheese sauce.
How do restaurants get their chicken so moist?
Restaurants use several techniques to keep their chicken moist, especially in baked cheesy chicken recipes. One of the most effective methods is brining, where chicken is soaked in a saltwater solution before cooking to lock in moisture. Another common trick is marinating with yogurt or buttermilk, which helps tenderize the meat. Additionally, chefs often sear chicken at high heat before baking to keep the juices inside, ensuring that dishes like cheesy chicken breast or cheesy chicken over rice remain succulent and flavorful.
Can you cook chicken with cheese on it?
Yes, you can cook chicken with cheese on it! Many simple cheesy chicken recipes involve adding cheese directly on top of the chicken before baking, creating a rich, golden crust. If you’re making a baked cheesy chicken recipe, adding cheese in the last 5-10 minutes of baking ensures a perfectly melted, gooey topping. Some dishes, like cheesy chicken pasta or cheesy chicken with cream of chicken soup, incorporate cheese into the sauce for extra creaminess.
JustALittleBite Cheesy Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Oven-safe skillet
- Oven
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
- Gradually add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until a smooth sauce forms.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the cheese sauce over the top.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.