Million Dollar Chicken Bake
This Million Dollar Chicken Bake brings five-star flavor to your weeknight dinner without the hassle or cost. Creamy, garlicky, crispy, and comforting, it’s everything you want in a satisfying main dish—with no fussy steps or special tools required.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 2 pounds
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Cheese Spread
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese or cottage cheese, blended smooth
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley plus more for garnish
- 1 lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Topping
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs crispy
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Sear chicken in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Place in baking dish.
- Mix cream cheese, ricotta, mayo, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan, parsley, lemon zest, and juice in a bowl until smooth.
- Spread cheese mixture evenly over chicken breasts.
- Combine panko and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese layer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F and topping is golden. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
Make ahead by assembling without the panko and refrigerating up to 24 hours. Add topping just before baking. Leftovers reheat beautifully.