Cheesy Chicken Bake ๐ง๐
Overview:
This Cheesy Chicken Bake recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Italian cheese-infused dish. Bursting with flavor and gooey cheese, it’s a surefire hit for family dinners or potluck gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this dish is perfect for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick and delicious meal option. Plus, with just under an hour from start to finish, it’s a convenient option for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 2 cups pasta
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- Seasoning to taste (such as salt, pepper, garlic powder)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 575.6
- Fat: 28.1g
- Saturated Fat: 13.7g
- Cholesterol: 105.5mg
- Sodium: 876.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 43.6g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Sugar: 1.9g
- Protein: 35.5g
Instructions:
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Preparation:
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- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked through. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry them based on your preference. Once cooked, shred or chop them into bite-sized pieces.
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Mixing:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and your choice of seasoning. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Baking:
- Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Spoon the chicken and pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
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Baking:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the mixture is heated through and bubbling around the edges.
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Cheese Topping:
- Once the initial baking time is up, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
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Broiling:
- Turn on the broiler in your oven and place the dish back in the oven, this time on the top rack.
- Broil the cheesy chicken bake for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
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Serving:
- Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve the cheesy chicken bake hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Serving Suggestions:
This Cheesy Chicken Bake pairs perfectly with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it alongside some garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a bit of extra flavor, drizzle some hot sauce or sprinkle some chopped green onions over the top before serving.
Tips & Tricks:
- Experiment with different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would all work well in this dish.
- Feel free to add in extra veggies like diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- To make this dish even quicker, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken from a previous meal.
- If you’re short on time, you can prepare the chicken and pasta mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure everything is heated through properly.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, gooey cheese topping, and savory chicken flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Bake is sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a cozy dinner option, this recipe ticks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and satisfaction. Give it a try tonight and watch as it disappears from plates in record time! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐ฉโ๐ณ
