INGREDIENTS:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cream cheese (softened)
Half a cup grated Parmesan cheese
Half a cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly chopped chives or parsley (for garnish)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F). To grease a baking dish, use olive oil or cooking spray..
Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Arrange them in the prepared baking dish.
Make the Cream Sauce: Mix together in a mixing bowl sour cream, cream cheese softened, minced garlic, Dijon mustard and half portions of Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Top the Chicken: Evenly spread over chicken breasts some cream sauce. On top sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella.
Bake: Place the chicken in an oven that has been preheated to 180°C. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden on top and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Take out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh, chopped chives or parsley.
Hints for Success:
Tender Chicken: Don’t overcook if you want moist chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the right temperature, which is 74°C (165°F) in this case.
Creamy Sauce: For thinner sauce, add some chicken broth or milk to the cream sauce mixture before spreading it over the ready chicken.
Golden Crust: If you need your dish to have browned crust on top then when done cooking you can broil for 2-3 minutes on high heat; do not leave unattended otherwise it might burn.
Health Benefits:
Protein-Rich: Chicken breasts are rich in lean proteins used by our body for muscle repair and overall wellness purposes.
Calcium: In this recipe, there is enough calcium due to such cheeses as Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese, among others that contain them.
Low Carb: This dish is carbohydrate free thus recommended for those using keto or low-carb meal plans.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving)
Calories – 450 kcal
Protein – 38g
Fat – 30g
Carbohydrates – 5g
Fiber – 0g
Sugar – 2g
Variations and Substitutions:
Add Vegetables: You may also add sliced mushrooms, spinach or bell peppers to the baking dish for additional taste and nutrients.
Different Cheese: For a different flavor profile, try using Gruyère or Gouda cheese.
Herbs: Vary the chives with fresh basil, thyme or rosemary to add some twist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly because they might take longer in order to cook through.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes you can, you can make the dish up to baking stage refrigerate it for 24 hours before baking it.
What should I serve with this dish? This meal goes well with steamed vegetables on one side, mashed potatoes on another or even a light green salad.
Conclusion:
This creamy baked chicken breast recipe is a wonderful addition to any dinner menu. It has an easy preparation process as well as rich flavors that will not disappoint. Savor every bite and enjoy the creamy goodness!