Description
Whip up an Easy Chicken Dinner with Melted Cheese that brings pure comfort. My simple recipe, full of personal twists, is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- Main Players:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 large, or 4 small)
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
- Flavor Boosters:
- Garlic Powder (1 tsp)
- Onion Powder (1 tsp)
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp)
- Dried Italian Herbs (1 tsp)
- Seasonings:
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (to taste)
- Finishing Touches:
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped)
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken:: Okay, first things first! Get those chicken breasts ready. If they’re thick, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them gently with a rolling pin or a heavy pan until they’re about 3/4-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly, preventing dry spots. Then, pat them super dry with paper towels – this is key for a good sear! Sprinkle them generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. I usually just eyeball it, but aim for a good, even coating. This sets the foundation for a truly delicious Easy Chicken Dinner with Melted Cheese.
- Sear the Chicken:: Now for the sizzle! Heat your olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works great) over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a drop of water dances. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if you have too many, cook them in batches. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden brown and have a nice crust. Honestly, the smell at this stage is incredible! I always try to resist flipping them too early, patience is a virtue here, hon.
- Build the Pan Sauce:: Once the chicken is seared, remove it from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Don’t clean the skillet! All those browned bits are flavor gold. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up all those delicious bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. This creates a wonderful, savory base for our Easy Chicken Dinner with Melted Cheese. Let it simmer for a minute or two, just until it slightly reduces and thickens a tiny bit. Oh, and add the dried Italian herbs here too; they’ll wake up in the warmth!
- Return and Top:: Now, carefully place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into that lovely pan sauce. Make sure they’re sitting comfortably. Then, generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Don’t be shy with the cheese, this is an Easy Chicken Dinner with Melted Cheese after all! I tend to pile it on a little extra, because, well, cheese! This is where the magic really starts to happen, visually speaking.
- Melt the Cheese:: Pop that oven-safe skillet into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Let it bake for about 8-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the mozzarella cheese is perfectly melted, bubbly, and just starting to turn golden brown in spots. Keep an eye on it – you want melty, not burnt! This step is so satisfying to watch through the oven door, honestly, I always peek.
- Serve It Up:: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (that handle will be hot!). Let the chicken rest in the pan for a few minutes before serving; this helps keep it juicy. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The green pop against the golden cheese is just lovely. Serve this Easy Chicken Dinner with Melted Cheese warm, right from the pan, or transfer to plates. It smells absolutely divine at this point, all garlicky, herby, and cheesy! Dig in!