Patrick Oconnell
Chicken and cheese is a classic combination, and there are many different ways to pair the two. For example, you could use mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan for a gooey, stretchy, and savory dish. Alternatively, you could stuff your chicken breast with swiss cheese or provolone, or top it with cheddar and parmesan for a crunchy, buttery flavor. If you're looking for a creamier option, try a mixture of mozzarella, parmesan, and ricotta.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of cheeses | 1, 2 or 3 |
| Types of cheese | Mozzarella, Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Swiss, Provolone, Cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, Ricotta, Brie, Feta, Goat Cheese, American |
| Cheese form | Slices, grated, shredded, liquid |
| Other ingredients | Chicken breasts, breadcrumbs, olive oil, butter, garlic, parsley, onion powder, dried chives, black pepper, Italian dressing mix, paprika, rice, polenta, potatoes, broccoli, asparagus, green beans |
| Prep time | 10 minutes |
| Cook time | 10-15 minutes |
| Total time | 20-25 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, cream cheese, and parmesan
Mozzarella Chicken
A classic and popular choice is to create a mozzarella chicken dish, often known as Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parm. This dish typically involves breading and frying chicken breasts, then topping them with a tomato-based sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. The key to success is to use fresh mozzarella for the best melt and avoid drowning the chicken in sauce, which can make it soggy. You can also add some grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy and flavorful kick.
Here's a simple recipe for Mozzarella Chicken:
- Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a pan and cook the chicken on both sides until browned.
- In the same pan, cook onions, garlic, and fire-roasted peppers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Add crushed tomatoes or tomato puree, tomato paste, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken.
- Place the chicken back into the pan, topping each breast with mozzarella cheese.
- Broil or grill until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Cream Cheese Chicken
For a creamy and indulgent option, consider making a cream cheese chicken dish. This recipe typically involves cooking chicken strips in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese and chicken broth, along with onions and mushrooms. The key to success is to use regular or reduced-fat cream cheese for the best consistency and avoid using fat-free cream cheese. Here's a simple recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken:
- Heat oil in a large skillet and add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté until softened.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Slice chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper.
- Increase the heat and add the chicken strips to the pan. Sear until golden brown.
- Add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and well-incorporated.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the entire pan, then cover and reduce the heat. Cook until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve the chicken and mushrooms over steamed rice or quinoa, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Parmesan Chicken
Parmesan chicken is another classic option that pairs well with chicken breast. You can incorporate parmesan into your breading for chicken cutlets or use it as a topping for baked chicken dishes. The key to success is to use a combination of parmesan and breadcrumbs for a crispy and flavorful coating. Here's a simple recipe for Parmesan Chicken:
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the chicken breasts, coating both sides evenly.
- Beat eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
- Dip the floured chicken breast in the beaten eggs, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs into both sides.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until golden on both sides.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and top each breast with tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil, and provolone cheese.
- Sprinkle additional parmesan over the top and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the oven until the cheese is browned and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.
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Provolone and parmesan
Chicken Parmesan
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is a classic Italian-American dish that stars Parmesan cheese. It's a simple yet effective way to elevate your chicken breast. The key to this dish is getting that perfect balance between a crispy crust and a juicy, tender interior. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Start by pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a crispy crust.
- Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. Don't skimp on this step, as seasoning is key to building flavour.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine flour with salt and pepper. In the second, whisk together eggs and milk. In the third, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings like garlic powder and oregano.
- Coat each chicken breast in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press gently to help the crumbs adhere.
- Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Top each breast with a small amount of tomato sauce—just enough to add flavour without making the dish soggy.
- Now, it's time for the star ingredient: sprinkle a generous amount of grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. You can also add other cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for an extra cheesy kick.
- Bake the chicken in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Aim for a temperature of 350°F (176°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- To finish, top the chicken with fresh basil leaves. This adds a burst of flavour and freshness to the dish.
Provolone-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
If you're looking for a different way to incorporate Provolone into your chicken breast, why not try stuffing it inside? This method creates a delicious, oozy centre and is sure to impress:
- Start by slicing and flattening your chicken breasts. You want them to be thin enough to roll up easily.
- Season the chicken with black pepper and Italian dressing mix (just the seasoning, not the oil).
- Top each breast with a slice of Provolone cheese. The cheese should be thick enough to provide a good melt but not so thick that it oozes out before the chicken is cooked.
- Roll each breast tightly and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Sprinkle the outside of the chicken with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan cheese. This will add a crispy, golden coating.
- Bake the chicken in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 25 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Remove the toothpicks or twine before serving. The Provolone should be melted and gooey, creating a delicious contrast with the juicy chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Breast
- Always preheat your oven to ensure even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest at room temperature for a few minutes after seasoning. This helps the meat relax and cook more evenly.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to maintain a crispy crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F to be considered safe to eat.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and combinations. For example, you could try a mix of Provolone and Swiss cheese or add some cream cheese for extra creaminess.
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Cheddar and parmesan
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Place each chicken breast on a chopping board and use a sharp knife to butterfly them by cutting horizontally. Cover with plastic wrap and use a meat mallet to pound them to an even thickness.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dip each breast into the egg mixture, then coat them evenly with the flour mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese over the chicken breasts.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations:
- You can add more spices to the flour mixture, such as smoked paprika or cayenne pepper, for an extra kick.
- Try using different types of cheddar, such as sharp cheddar or white cheddar, for a slightly different flavour profile.
- For a more indulgent dish, you can also stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of cheddar and parmesan cheese before breading and frying them.
- Serve this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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Brie or provolone
When it comes to chicken breast, both Brie and Provolone cheese can be excellent choices, offering different tastes and textures.
Provolone
Provolone is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of chicken breast recipes. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavour and melts well, making it a good choice for baked dishes. One simple recipe involves flattening chicken breasts, coating them in seasoned breadcrumbs, and then topping them with provolone cheese. Baked until golden and crispy, this dish is an easy, tasty option for a weeknight meal.
For a more substantial meal, you can stuff chicken breasts with provolone cheese. One recipe suggests adding sautéed spinach and garlic to provolone, then stuffing this mixture into butterflied chicken breasts. The chicken is then baked and served with sides such as roasted asparagus or sweet potato fritters.
Brie
Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a rich, buttery flavour. It pairs well with chicken and can be used to create a juicy, flavourful dish. One recipe recommends stuffing chicken breasts with brie and rosemary, wrapping them in prosciutto, and baking until cooked through. The prosciutto adds a savoury element to the dish, complementing the creamy brie and fragrant rosemary.
Both Brie and Provolone are versatile cheeses that can enhance the flavour of chicken breast. Whether baked, stuffed, or melted on top, these cheeses offer a range of culinary possibilities.
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Goat's cheese or feta
Feta and goat's cheese are both delicious options to pair with chicken breast. Feta is a Greek cheese traditionally made with sheep's milk, but it can also be made with a combination of sheep, goat, or cow's milk. It has a salty and tangy flavour, with a texture that ranges from firm and crumbly to rich and creamy. Goat's cheese, on the other hand, is made solely from goat's milk. It has a milder, creamy texture with a slightly sharp aftertaste.
When it comes to cooking, feta is a versatile cheese that can be used in salads, baked dishes, or simply crumbled over flatbreads and salads. Its crumbly texture and salty flavour can amplify the taste of summery dishes. Goat's cheese is equally versatile and can be used in spreads or added to hot dishes. It pairs well with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds, making it a great addition to salads.
If you're looking for a cheese to stuff inside chicken breast, feta is a good option. Its tangy flavour and crumbly texture can add a nice contrast to the juicy chicken. You can also try a combination of feta and goat's cheese for a unique flavour profile.
For a simple yet delicious meal, try stuffing chicken breasts with a mixture of feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. Bake it in the oven until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Alternatively, you can create a creamy goat's cheese sauce to drizzle over your chicken breast. Simply warm some goat's cheese in a pan with a splash of milk or cream, stirring until smooth. This sauce can add a rich and creamy dimension to your chicken dish. Serve it with roasted potatoes or a bed of rice to soak up all the flavours.
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Frequently asked questions
Brie, provolone, Swiss cheese, or goat cheese are all good options to stuff inside chicken breast.
Mozzarella, cream cheese, parmesan, cheddar, gouda, provolone, asiago, or ricotta are all good melting cheeses.
Mashed potatoes, rice, grains (quinoa, barley, buckwheat, or lentils), roasted potatoes, or a simple side salad.
