When I first made baked chicken breast in alfredo sauce recipe, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to whip up such a comforting and indulgent meal. Juicy chicken smothered in a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, topped with melted cheese, delivers a dish that feels like it’s straight from a restaurant.
There’s something so satisfying about taking that first bite and savoring the richness of the flavors, paired perfectly with a simple pasta or vegetable medley.
It’s great for cozy family dinners or special occasions with friends. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that wows every time, this baked chicken breast in Alfredo sauce is for you. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just love effortless dishes, this recipe guarantees a hearty meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish brings comfort and simplicity together in the best way possible. Here’s what makes it so great:
Easy to Prepare
You don’t have to be an expert in the kitchen to nail this recipe. The steps are simple to follow, and most of the prep is done in a single dish, saving time and effort. It’s a great option for busy days when you still want to enjoy a homemade meal with minimal cleanup.
Rich, Creamy Flavors
The combination of tender chicken, garlic Alfredo sauce, and gooey melted cheese is a flavor marriage made in culinary heaven. Every bite is indulgent and satisfying. This dish is perfect for when you’re craving comfort food that’s both rich and flavorful.
Customizable
From adding veggies to switching up the cheese, you can make this recipe your own. There’s a lot of room to play with flavors and textures to suit your preferences. You can even change the protein or make it vegetarian by adding mushrooms or spinach.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This recipe is versatile enough for both casual weeknight meals and dinner parties. Serve it with your favorite sides, and it’ll steal the show. It’s a crowd-pleaser that works for any event, making it an ideal choice for gatherings.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing
The creamy sauce and cheesy top make it a hit with kids and adults alike. It’s guaranteed to have everyone coming back for seconds. Even picky eaters will love the flavors, making it perfect for family meals or potlucks.
Cooking Time
Here’s the breakdown of the total time needed to make this incredible dish:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s a list of key ingredients for this recipe:
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Alfredo sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic (minced)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable and can easily be tailored to fit your needs or taste preferences:
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it more nutrient-rich.
- Make It Spicy: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Use Homemade Alfredo Sauce: Swap store-bought Alfredo for a scratch-made version for an extra fresh taste.
- Dietary Swaps: Use a low-carb or dairy-free Alfredo sauce to fit specific dietary requirements.
Equipment Needed:
- Baking dish (9×13): To ensure even cooking.
- Small saucepan: For preparing the Alfredo sauce if making from scratch.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring the sauce.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked to 165°F.
How to Make Baked Chicken Breast in Alfredo Sauce?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making this creamy, cheesy goodness:
Step 1. Preheat Your Oven 🔥
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with some olive oil. This will keep the chicken from sticking.
Step 2. Season the Chicken 🧂
Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.
Step 3. Prepare the Alfredo Sauce 🧄
If making sauce from scratch, gently heat cream, butter, and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, then add Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
Step 4. Coat and Marinate 🍗
Cover each chicken breast with Alfredo sauce in the baking dish, making sure to pour any extra sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 5. Bake Until Juicy and Tender 🍽️
Place the marinated chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Step 6. Top with Cheese 🧀
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the chicken and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
Step 7. Serve and Enjoy 🌿
Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color, and serve hot.
Tips for Making the Recipe
To ensure this dish turns out perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Overcooking chicken can make it dry, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid this.
- Layer the Cheese Strategically: Adding shredded cheese during the final minutes of baking ensures it’s melted and bubbly without burning.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Breast in Alfredo Sauce?
Pair this creamy dish with sides that complement its rich flavors. Buttered pasta, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables are popular choices. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside a fresh garden salad. Garnish with freshly cracked black pepper, grated Parmesan, or chopped parsley to elevate the presentation. This dish also looks amazing served family-style straight from the baking dish.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving of this indulgent meal:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fat: 15g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for meal prep or leftovers. Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, covered, to keep the sauce creamy.
- Freezing: For long-term storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and reheat in the oven to serve.
Making this baked chicken breast in Alfredo sauce ahead of time means you’re always prepared for a comforting and hearty meal, even on busy weeknights. Its creamy texture and robust flavor will have everyone asking you for the recipe!
Baked Chicken Breast in Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- Boneless chicken breasts
- Alfredo sauce homemade or store-bought
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic minced
- Mozzarella cheese shredded
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with some olive oil. This will keep the chicken from sticking.
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder.
- If making sauce from scratch, gently heat cream, butter, and minced garlic in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until the mixture thickens, then add Parmesan cheese for a rich, creamy texture.
- Cover each chicken breast with Alfredo sauce in the baking dish, making sure to pour any extra sauce over the top. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Place the marinated chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the chicken and return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color, and serve hot.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Resting Step: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Overcooking chicken can make it dry, so check for an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid this.
- Layer the Cheese Strategically: Adding shredded cheese during the final minutes of baking ensures it’s melted and bubbly without burning.
