Oven-Baked Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Oven-Baked Cheesy Garlic Chicken

ByVerj Recipes

This is one of those “everyone’s happy” dinners — the kind that makes the kitchen smell like garlic, butter, and something cozy bubbling away in the oven. You get juicy chicken with a lightly golden crust, then a cheesy blanket on top that melts into a bubbly, savory layer with crispy edges. It’s simple, comforting, and honestly a little addictive in that just one more bite kind of way.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something homemade, or for lazy Sundays when you want a warm, hearty meal without standing over the stove forever. And the best part? It pairs with basically anything — pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies… whatever you’ve got, it works.

Oven-Baked Cheesy Garlic Chicken

Ingredients

  • 8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or dried parsley)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven.
    Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish or roasting pan and set it aside.

  2. Season the chicken.
    Pat the chicken dry with paper towels (this helps it brown). Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

  3. Lightly coat with flour.
    Dredge each piece of chicken in flour and shake off the extra. You’re not looking for a thick coating — just a light dusting for that golden finish.

  4. Sear for color.
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 3–4 minutes per side, just until it turns golden. It won’t be cooked through yet — that’s totally fine.

  5. Move to the baking dish.
    Arrange the seared chicken in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.

  6. Mix the cheesy topping.
    In a small bowl, combine mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and parsley. Spoon the mixture generously over each piece of chicken, then drizzle the melted butter over the top. (This is where the magic happens.)

  7. Bake until bubbly and done.
    Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.

  8. Rest, then serve.
    Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. It helps the juices settle so every bite stays tender.

Presentation

  • Lean into the bubbly cheese. Serve it right from the baking dish while the top is still sizzling and golden.

  • Add a fresh pop. A sprinkle of chopped parsley on top makes it look bright and beautiful (and cuts the richness a bit).

  • Make it a full plate. Spoon a little of the buttery, cheesy pan goodness over mashed potatoes or rice — it’s basically instant sauce.

  • Optional extra: If you want extra golden tops, you can broil for the last 1–2 minutes — just keep a close eye so the cheese doesn’t go too far.

Nutritional Information:

  • ⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes

  • 🔥 Kcal: ~430 kcal per serving

  • 🍽️ Servings: 6–8 servings

Conclusion

Oven-Baked Cheesy Garlic Chicken is cozy, satisfying, and ridiculously easy to love. It’s one of those reliable recipes that feels comforting every single time — juicy chicken, savory seasoning, and that melty cheese layer that makes everyone’s eyes light up. If you’re craving something warm and hearty, give this a try soon… and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.

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