Description
Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is a flavorful and comforting main course featuring juicy chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs, topped with melted provolone cheese and a crunchy Parmesan-breadcrumb topping, baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make dish combines the savory notes of garlic, herbs, and cheese for a satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Searing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Topping
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking during baking.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden crust. They do not need to be completely cooked through at this stage.
- Arrange Chicken for Baking: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, spacing them out evenly.
- Add Cheese Slices: Place one slice of provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast, allowing it to melt during baking.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the seasoned breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix until the texture is crumbly and well combined.
- Top the Chicken: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over each chicken breast, covering the cheese layer lightly to create a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes. Bake until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve the chicken breasts hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
- You can substitute provolone cheese with mozzarella or Swiss cheese for a different flavor impact.
- For extra richness and moisture, add a spoonful of marinara sauce under the cheese before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
