Ingredients
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1⁄2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1⁄2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half horizontally to make 4 pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Creating the Alfredo Sauce
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
Assembling the Bake
- Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish.
- Evenly pour the Alfredo sauce over the chicken.
- Scatter the broccoli florets and sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil, and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
🍗 Note: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can thicken it with a bit of cornstarch mixed with water before adding it to the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Baked Alfredo Chicken hot, ideally with:
- A side of garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- A light salad to balance the richness of the dish.
🍽️ Note: To keep the dish well-rounded, consider adding more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to the bake for added nutrition.
Variation Ideas
You can customize this recipe to suit different tastes:
- Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood Alfredo.
- Spicy Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce for some heat.
- Herb Garden: Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley to garnish or even mix into the sauce.
🌶️ Note: Be cautious with spicy additions if children or those with a low heat tolerance will be eating.
In summary, this Baked Alfredo Chicken recipe offers a delightful mix of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the right touch of vegetables, making it a perfect choice for an easy weeknight dinner. By following these steps, you'll have a meal that's both comforting and satisfying, with the flexibility to adapt to various dietary preferences or to simply make use of what's in your fridge. The key to this dish is the homemade Alfredo sauce, which gives it a rich flavor while keeping the process straightforward. Enjoy this recipe as is, or get creative with your additions to make it uniquely yours.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
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Yes, you can assemble this dish and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before putting it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?
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If heavy cream is not available, whole milk with a bit of melted butter can serve as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly thinner.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
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Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. The oven might crisp up the top layer of cheese nicely.
Can I freeze this Baked Alfredo Chicken?
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Yes, you can freeze this dish. Cool it completely before freezing in a freezer-safe dish. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.
