Million Dollar Chicken Bake

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🍗 Recipe: Million Dollar Chicken Bake

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 30–35 minutes

  • Total time: 45 minutes

  • Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3–4 large breasts).

  • The Creamy Base: 4 oz cream cheese (softened), 1/2 cup mayonnaise, and 1/2 cup sour cream.

  • The Flavor: 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and salt/pepper to taste.

  • The Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded Mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.

  • The Crunch: 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (crushed) mixed with 4 tbsp melted butter.

  • Garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions.

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

  2. Prepare Chicken: If the breasts are very thick, slice them in half lengthwise (butterflied) so they cook evenly. Place them in a single layer in the dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

  3. Mix the Topping: In a medium bowl, stir together the softened cream cheese, mayo, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese until smooth.

  4. Layer: Spread the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken.

  5. Add the Crunch: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top, then finish with the buttery crushed Ritz crackers.

  6. Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of $165^\circ\text{F}$ and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.

  7. Rest: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer! Chicken breasts dry out quickly once they pass the safety threshold.

  • Soften the Cream Cheese: If you forget to take it out of the fridge, microwave it for 15 seconds. If it’s lumpy, the sauce won’t spread smoothly.

  • Low-Carb Swap: Swap the Ritz crackers for crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixed with parmesan cheese.

  • 📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimates based on 6 servings.

Metric Amount
Calories 480 kcal
Protein 32g
Total Fat 34g
Carbohydrates 12g
Sodium 650mg

✨ The Benefits

  • High Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle recovery.

  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes it perfect for a busy Monday night.

  • Kid-Friendly: The mild, creamy flavor profile is almost guaranteed to pass the “picky eater” test.

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?

A: Absolutely! Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier. Just increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: You can prep the chicken and the creamy topping a day early, but don’t add the crackers until right before you put it in the oven, or they will get soggy.

Q: Is it okay to use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

A: Yes, it’s a great way to add extra protein and a bit of tang, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.

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