Description
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is a delightful family-friendly dish featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts topped with a flavorful Parmesan and breadcrumb crust, baked to perfection and crowned with melted provolone cheese. This recipe offers a satisfying combination of textures and savory flavors, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Cheese Topping
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or melted butter)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure even seasoning and cooking. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to enhance flavor.
- Make the Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian-style breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Drizzle in the olive oil or melted butter, stirring until the mixture becomes slightly crumbly, which will create a crispy crust when baked.
- Coat the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan and breadcrumb mixture over each piece, gently pressing it down to help it adhere to the chicken surface.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, checking for an internal temperature around 160°F (71°C) to ensure the chicken is nearly cooked through.
- Add the Provolone Cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and top each breast with a slice of provolone cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and has a golden, bubbly finish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted and golden, take the chicken out of the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, then serve the chicken hot for a delectable meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) after the final bake.
- For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Leftover chicken pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
- Breadcrumbs can be homemade by toasting and crushing Italian bread for enhanced texture.
