Cheese And Chicken: Perfect Partners For A Delicious Dish

There are many different types of cheese that can be used to make smothered chicken, including cheddar, mozzarella, Colby-Monterey Jack, and parmesan. Smothered chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with various side dishes, making it perfect for family dinners or special occasions. It is also easy to make and can be customised with different ingredients.

Mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar are all great choices for smothered chicken. Here's a more detailed look at each:

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a popular choice for smothered chicken, as it has a gooey melty texture and a mild flavour. It can be shredded or sliced and placed on top of the chicken before baking, resulting in a delicious, cheesy dish. Mozzarella works well with other ingredients commonly used in smothered chicken, such as bacon, caramelised onions, and various types of mushrooms.

Parmesan

Parmesan cheese is a hard, nutty-flavoured cheese that can add a savoury note to smothered chicken. It is often grated and sprinkled on top of the dish to provide a flavourful garnish. Using freshly grated Parmesan is recommended over pre-grated or powdered varieties for the best flavour and texture. Parmesan pairs well with other cheeses like mozzarella, as well as sour cream, and various herbs and spices.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is a versatile option that can be shredded or sliced and melted over smothered chicken. It has a rich, creamy flavour that complements the chicken well. Cheddar comes in different varieties, such as mild, medium, or sharp, allowing you to customise the taste to your preference. It goes well with other ingredients commonly used in smothered chicken, including bacon, caramelised onions, and various side dishes.

When choosing between mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar for smothered chicken, consider your desired flavour profile and texture. All three cheeses melt well and offer unique characteristics that can enhance the dish. You can also combine these cheeses or experiment with other varieties to find your perfect combination.

Chicken preparation

To make Cheesy Smothered Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken breasts or tenders
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Colby-Monterey Jack, or Parmesan)
• Bacon
• Green onions
• Butter
• Flour
• Chicken broth
• Milk
• Garlic powder

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9x13" baking dish. Place the chicken in the bottom of the baking dish and set it aside.

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook the flour for about a minute, and then slowly add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Next, add the milk and garlic powder, whisking to combine, and bring the mixture to a boil.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it is completely melted. Pour this cheese sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.

Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, and then sprinkle the remaining cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Continue baking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

This smothered chicken is best served when the cheese is melted and the chicken is cooked through and juicy. You can also prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Additionally, you can customise your smothered chicken by adding caramelised onions, sautéed mushrooms, or other vegetables of your choice. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, to find your favourite combination.

For a complete meal, serve the Cheesy Smothered Chicken with sides like rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad. Enjoy!

Caramelised onions

To make caramelised onions, start by melting butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. This should take about 10 minutes. Then, slowly add apple cider, a quarter of a cup at a time, allowing it to cook into the onions.

At this point, you can add other ingredients like garlic, mushrooms, thyme, and sage. Continue cooking for a few minutes before adding the chicken. The onions will further caramelise as the dish finishes cooking.

For a slightly different take on caramelised onions, you can try cooking them in a skillet with olive oil, sherry vinegar, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes, and salt. This creates a delicious marinade for the onions, giving them a unique flavour.

Chicken cooking methods

Chicken is one of the most versatile meats and can be cooked in myriad ways. Here are some of the most popular methods to cook chicken:

Stir-frying

Stir-frying is a quick and easy way to cook chicken. The ideal cuts for stir-frying are chicken breasts or thigh fillets, cut into thin slices. Heat a wok over high heat, add some vegetable oil and stir-fry the chicken in small batches for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Pan-frying

Chicken breast, tenderloins, or chicken thigh fillets are ideal for pan-frying. Heat a frying pan to medium heat, add some oil, and cook the chicken for 7-8 minutes, turning it over until it is brown and golden.

Grilling or Barbequing

For grilling or barbequing, use chicken breasts, tenderloins, or thigh fillets. Flattened chicken can be grilled on both sides for colour and flavour, and then placed in the oven to cook through.

Baking

Wings, drumsticks, chicken thigh cutlets, and whole chickens are best for baking. Baking ensures an even heat all over and gently cooks the skin.

Roasting

Roasting a chicken is another easy way to prepare a delicious family dinner. Seasoning the chicken is a must, and spices like rosemary, lemon, and garlic are popular choices. The cooking temperature can vary depending on the desired texture of the meat. A lower temperature will yield softer, more tender meat, while a hotter oven will give a crispy crust with meat that is a bit more chewy.

Braising

Braising is a great technique for cheaper or less tender cuts of meat. The meat is first seared to bring out the flavours, and then it is cooked over low heat in a broth or wine.

Poaching

Poaching is an easy and healthy method for cooking chicken. It yields soft and tender meat, and the resulting chicken broth can be used for making sauces and soups. It is important to use cold water and the right ratio of water to meat to avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken.

Deep-frying

Deep-frying chicken involves dipping it in a simple batter or seasoned flour before frying it in oil at a temperature between 325-400°F.

Broiling

Broiling uses a smaller bird called a "broiler" that is split open or halved to reduce cooking time.

Sautéing or Pan-frying

Sautéing or pan-frying chicken is a two-stage process. First, the chicken is cooked in a hot pan with a small amount of fat, and then it is finished in the oven or by simmering it in a sauce. Boneless chicken breast cutlets are great for this method.

Smoking

Smoking chicken involves cooking it at a low temperature with indirect heat, resulting in tender and flavourful meat. A smoker is used to cook the chicken slowly, and flavoured wood chips can be added for extra taste.

Chicken sides

Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas for sides to accompany your smothered chicken:

Starchy Sides

• Rice or pasta: These can help to soak up the delicious sauce from the chicken. Try serving it with Rice Pilaf or Lemon Cream Pasta.
• Potatoes: Crispy Smashed Potatoes, Perfect Creamy Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, or Garlic Butter Potatoes would all make great sides.
• Bread: Four Cheese Garlic Bread, Soft and Crispy Focaccia, or simple buttered bread are good options to mop up any leftover sauce.

Vegetables

• Roasted vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, or a mix of easy vegetable risotto or cheesy rice and broccoli.
• Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms can be a great addition to the smothered chicken, or serve them on the side.
• Green vegetables: Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or peas are healthy options that can be cooked in a variety of ways.
• Salad: A simple salad, such as a Blueberry Salad, Easy Summer Corn Salad, Lime Jello Salad, or Power Green Salad, can balance out the richness of the chicken.

These sides will complement the flavours and textures of your smothered chicken, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Frequently asked questions