Golden Baked Provolone Chicken Recipe

Juicy Golden Provolone Chicken Recipe – Baked to Perfection

Golden provolone chicken melts hearts and taste buds with its irresistible combination of crispy exterior and tender meat.

Cheese lovers rejoice at this simple yet spectacular dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that transforms an ordinary chicken breast into a culinary masterpiece.

The golden-brown coating locks in moisture while creating a crunchy texture that satisfies every craving.

Provolone adds a rich, slightly sharp note that elevates the entire meal with its creamy intensity.

You’ll find this recipe surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal cooking skills.

Prepare to savor a dinner that looks impressive but comes together in mere minutes.

How to Keep Provolone Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Carefully wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months.
  • Warm chicken at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
  • Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

Best Sides for Golden Baked Chicken

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy provolone and cuts through the rich, cheesy topping.
  • Herb-Infused Side Dish: Prepare roasted rosemary baby potatoes or garlic-sautéed green beans to balance the chicken's decadent flavor profile and add fresh vegetable contrast.
  • Create Tangy Accompaniment: Whip up a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavy, cheesy chicken and cleanse the palate between bites.
  • Match Bread Selection: Serve warm crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and provide a delightful textural element to the meal.

Cheesy Spins for Provolone Chicken

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use almond flour instead of standard Parmesan for a lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains rich flavor and protein content.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute provolone with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese, using coconut cream instead of sour cream to maintain moisture and creaminess.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the seasoning blend, replacing Italian seasoning with fresh herbs for an authentic Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Transformation: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to the seasoning mix, topping with pepper jack cheese for a zesty, high-heat version of the original recipe.

FAQs

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and the juices should run clear when you cut into it.

  • Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute provolone with mozzarella or Swiss cheese. Just ensure the cheese melts well and complements the chicken’s flavor.

  • Is this recipe considered low-carb?

Absolutely! This Golden Baked Provolone Chicken is perfect for low-carb and keto diets. It’s high in protein and contains minimal carbohydrates, making it ideal for those watching their carb intake.

  • What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

If chicken breasts vary in thickness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures uniform cooking and prevents some parts from becoming dry while others remain undercooked.

Why Golden Provolone Chicken Is So Comforting

  • Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a deliciously cheesy chicken dish that delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or weeknight meals that satisfy everyone's taste buds with its creamy, golden-brown topping.
  • Customizable Delight: Easily adapt the seasonings or cheese types to match your personal preferences or pantry ingredients, making this recipe a flexible go-to option for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Golden Provolone Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and juicy meat perfect for a hearty meal.
Cheese:
  • Provolone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy that adds rich flavor.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Spices that bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Creamy Topping:
  • Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Smooth condiments that create a delicious golden crust.
Cooking Essentials:
  • Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Kitchen helper for easy food release.

How to Bake Chicken With Provolone

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with non-stick cooking magic to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Lay out your chicken breasts in the baking dish like they’re sunbathing.

Whip up a flavor explosion with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Italian seasoning

Sprinkle this spice mix generously over each chicken breast, making sure they’re fully dressed in deliciousness.

Step 3: Cheese Blanket Time

Drape two slices of provolone over each chicken breast, creating a cozy cheese blanket that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Topping

In a mixing bowl, blend together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sour cream
  • Parmesan cheese

Spread this creamy concoction over the cheese-covered chicken, creating a luxurious layer of goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it work its magic for 45-60 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken hits 165°F and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown with bubbly edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Pull the dish out and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the juices to settle and the flavors to mingle.

Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Tips for a Cheesy, Golden Chicken Bake

  • Select evenly sized, thick chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Use fresh provolone cheese at room temperature for smoother, more even melting across the chicken surface.
  • Watch the dish during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning of the creamy topping while maintaining perfect golden color.
  • Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to personalize the chicken's flavor profile.
  • Allow the chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and moisture.
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Golden Baked Provolone Chicken Recipe

Golden Baked Provolone Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden baked provolone chicken brings Mediterranean sunshine to your dinner plate. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and herbal notes create a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

  • 8 slices provolone cheese
  • 3/4 cup (85 grams) shredded or grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauce:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) sour cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cooking vessel by coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray and heating the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment.
  2. Arrange chicken breasts in a single layer within the prepared dish, creating an even surface for seasoning and cooking.
  3. Create a flavor-enhancing spice blend by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning, then generously sprinkle over each chicken breast to infuse depth and complexity.
  4. Layer two provolone cheese slices atop each chicken breast, completely covering the protein and creating a rich, melty foundation.
  5. Craft a luxurious creamy topping by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and well-integrated, providing a decadent texture and tangy flavor profile.
  6. Carefully spread the creamy mixture over the cheese-covered chicken, ensuring complete and even coverage for maximum flavor distribution.
  7. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and roast for 45-60 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
  8. Allow the dish to rest briefly after removing from the oven, letting the flavors settle and the proteins relax before serving, which enhances overall taste and texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor infusion.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
  • For a lighter version, swap full-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Customize seasoning blend by adding red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for extra kick and depth of flavor.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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