A family recipe
Creamy Parmesan Chicken Bake
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A rich, bubbling casserole featuring tender, golden-seared chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious, garlic-infused cream sauce and topped with a blanket of melted cheese. This ultimate comfort dinner is perfect for family meals and pairs beautifully with pasta or roasted vegetables.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Updated
- Sep 10, 2026
Ingredients
12 items
The Chicken & Sear
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- to taste Salt and black pepper
The Creamy Pan Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
The Topping & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
6 steps
Prep and Mise en Place
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Evenly season both sides of the chicken with the garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Sear the Protein
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is shimmering hot, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful, lightly golden crust. Remove the skillet from the heat source momentarily.
Build the Parmesan Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, turn the heat down to medium, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until highly fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce is smoothly incorporated and slightly thickened.
Assemble and Bake
Transfer the seared chicken breasts into your prepared 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour the cream sauce directly over the top of the chicken. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and the full cup of shredded mozzarella cheese across the top.
Place the dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is golden-brown. Verify doneness with a digital kitchen thermometer; the chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the sauce to set. Garnish with a shower of freshly chopped parsley before serving.