Introduction:
Savor a cheesy, garlicky baked chicken with this recipe. With its bursting flavors and juices that tenderly melt in the mouth, this dish is just the right combination of cheesiness and garlic smell to set you on edge. This recipe is an all-time pleaser for anyone who enjoys getting a comforting meal out of warm family dinner or friendly gathering.
Ingredients:
4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and black pepper to taste.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.
Instructions:
Preheat oven at 375°F (190°C) then grease a baking dish.
Put chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish then season with salt, pepper, dried oregano and dried basil.
In small bowl mix together minced garlic and olive oil. Spread the mixture on each chicken breast uniformly.
Sprinkle over the chicken breasts some shredded mozzarella cheese followed by grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in oven until golden brown and bubbly about 25-30 minutes when fully cooked done through and cheese is golden brown or bubbly.
Remove from oven after cooking is done; serve hot after garnishing with chopped fresh parsley leaves.
Hints for Success:
Ensure that the chicken breasts are the same size to cook them evenly.
To avoid drying it out, don’t overcook the chicken.
You can marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic and olive oil for several hours before baking if you want more flavor.
Health Benefits:
Chicken is rich in protein, which is important for muscle development and maintenance.
Garlic has been linked with certain health benefits such as strengthening immunity and reducing chances of heart diseases.
Olive oil supplies essential fats that promote heart health.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories: 320 cal
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sugars: 0.5 g
Variations and Substitutions:
Cheese Options: Vary flavors by experimenting with different cheese types. Rather than mozzarella and Parmesan, you can try out provolone, Swiss or Gruyère for a unique taste experience.
Herb Infusion: Use different herbs to boost this dish’s aroma. Change dried oregano and basil into fresh thyme, rosemary or sage leaves to get a full taste from these culinary herbs.
Vegetable Additions: Incorporating vegetables into your meal can add color and nutrients. For variation in texture and taste, combine chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes or diced bell peppers with your cheese topping.
Gluten-Free Option: Instead of breadcrumbs, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for cheese topping to make it gluten-free.
Spicy Kick: Put some crushed red pepper flakes or few drops of hot sauce into the garlic and olive oil mixture for a smoky taste.
Pesto Twist: Instead of using garlic and olive oil mix, buy pesto sauce from store or prepare at home to have an excellent baked chicken dish cooked in pesto.
Creamy Variation: For richness and creaminess, rub cream cheese or sour cream on the seasoned chicken before adding the cheese topping.
Citrus Zest: Introduce some citrus flavors. Grate lemon zest into the garlic and olive oil mixture to give a refreshing twist with orange zest being also acceptable.
Nutty Crunch: You can add almonds, walnuts or pecans that are crushed into the cheese topping to create crunchiness and nuttiness in your recipe.
Mediterranean Flavors: Mediterranean flavors blend well with this dish. The toppings should include olives, artichokes hearts, roasted garlic which will remind you of classic Mediterranean cuisine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use chicken with the bones for this recipe?
Bone-in chicken is alright but you must adjust the cooking time to ensure it is cooked through.
Is it possible to make this recipe beforehand?
Yes, you can assemble the dish in advance and refrigerate until it is ready to bake. Just remember, if baking from cold, add a few minutes of increased baking time.
