Creamy Baked Chicken

Creamy Baked Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season and Sear the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
   • Reduce the heat to medium and add the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
   • Stir in the mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Bake the Chicken:
   • Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
   • Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Once the chicken is done, remove the baking dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
   • Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Enjoy your creamy baked chicken! This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.