Golden Baked Chicken
This Golden Baked Chicken is the definition of cozy, home-style comfort food — a dish that feels like a warm hug from the oven.
Tender chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection, blanketed in creamy layers of provolone, sour cream, and Parmesan, then crowned with buttery cracker crumbs that bake into a golden, irresistible crust.
Every bite delivers a delicious contrast of textures — juicy meat, silky sauce, and a crisp, savory topping. It’s a timeless recipe that’s elegant enough for company, yet easy enough for any weeknight dinner.
Why People Will Love This Golden Baked Chicken Recipe
Golden, Crispy Perfection: The buttery cracker topping bakes into a beautifully golden crust, adding the perfect crunch to every bite.
Creamy, Comforting Layers: The combination of provolone, sour cream, and Parmesan creates a velvety, rich layer that melts into the chicken — comforting and indulgent without being heavy.
Juicy and Flavorful Chicken: Seasoned with herbs and spices, the chicken stays tender and moist under its creamy topping, ensuring every piece is bursting with flavor.
Simple Yet Elegant: With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this dish feels like something from a fancy restaurant but comes together effortlessly at home.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, a Sunday family gathering, or a special celebration, this golden baked chicken fits every table and makes everyone ask for seconds.
Key Ingredients:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The heart of the dish — lean, tender, and juicy, serving as the perfect canvas to soak up all the rich flavors layered above.
Provolone Cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken, adding a creamy, slightly smoky undertone that enhances every bite.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: Together, they create a luscious, tangy topping that keeps the chicken moist while forming a velvety layer of flavor beneath the crust.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps bind the topping for that signature golden finish.
Butter Crackers (like Ritz): The secret to the irresistible crunch — they bake into a buttery, golden crust that perfectly contrasts the creamy and tender layers below.
Seasoned Salt, Garlic Powder & Thyme: A simple yet powerful blend that infuses the chicken with warmth, depth, and a hint of herby fragrance, elevating the entire dish.
Expert Tips:
Pound the Chicken Evenly:
If your chicken breasts are thick on one end, gently pound them to an even thickness before seasoning. This ensures even cooking and prevents the thinner ends from drying out while the thicker parts finish baking.
Use Real Parmesan (Not Pre-Grated):
Freshly grated Parmesan melts and blends more smoothly into the creamy topping, giving a richer flavor and better texture than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t Overmix the Creamy Layer:
Combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, and Parmesan just until smooth — overmixing can make it too loose, which may cause the topping to slide off during baking.
Bake Uncovered for Crispiness:
Keeping the dish uncovered helps the top develop that signature golden-brown crust. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil near the end of baking.
Let It Rest Before Serving:
Allow the baked chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy instead of dry.
Enhance with Fresh Herbs:
Sprinkle a touch of fresh thyme, parsley, or chives over the top before serving for a burst of color and brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Try a Flavor Twist:
Add a pinch of paprika or smoked paprika to the creamy topping for a hint of color and a subtle smoky flavor — a small touch that takes it from delicious to unforgettable.
Golden Baked Chicken
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon seasoned salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried thyme
8 slices provolone cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream
½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
½ cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
2. Season the Chicken
In a small bowl, combine the seasoned salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried thyme.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with the spice blend for full flavor.
3. Layer the Cheese
Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Top each piece with two slices of provolone cheese, allowing the edges to overlap slightly for full coverage.
4. Prepare the Creamy Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and finely grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Spread this mixture evenly over the cheese-topped chicken, creating a rich, flavorful layer.
5. Add the Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the crushed butter crackers evenly over the creamy layer.
This will bake into a golden, crispy crust that perfectly complements the tender chicken beneath.
6. Bake to Perfection
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and the top is golden brown.
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Serve warm with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.
Important Notes When Making Golden Baked Chicken
Choose Quality Chicken:
Opt for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform size to ensure even baking. If using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry — excess moisture can prevent proper browning.
Season Generously but Evenly:
The blend of seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and thyme creates the base flavor. Rub it evenly on both sides of the chicken to infuse flavor throughout, not just on the surface.
Use Full-Fat Ingredients for Best Texture:
While low-fat versions of mayonnaise or sour cream can be used, full-fat ingredients provide a richer flavor and creamier consistency that helps the sauce layer bake beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Provolone Layer:
The cheese acts as a melting barrier between the chicken and creamy topping, keeping the meat moist while adding depth and stretchiness. It’s what makes the dish truly indulgent.
Watch the Baking Time Carefully:
Depending on the thickness of your chicken, baking time can vary between 45 minutes and 1 hour. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer to ensure it’s perfectly cooked but not overdone.
Let the Crust Form Naturally:
Avoid stirring, covering, or checking too often during baking. The cracker crumbs need consistent dry heat to develop that golden, crisp crust that defines the dish.
Rest Before Serving:
After removing the dish from the oven, let it sit for 5–10 minutes. This step helps the creamy sauce thicken slightly and the juices settle, making each bite tender, flavorful, and cohesive.
How to Enjoy Golden Baked Chicken After Cooking:
Let It Rest Before Serving
Once you take the chicken out of the oven, allow it to rest for 5–10 minutes. This short pause helps the juices redistribute, keeping every bite moist and tender while the creamy topping sets slightly for a smooth, cohesive texture.
Pair with Comforting Sides
This dish shines when served with cozy, complementary sides — think buttery mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or steamed green beans. The creamy, savory sauce pairs beautifully with starchy or lightly seasoned sides.
Add a Fresh Element
Balance the richness with something crisp and bright, like a fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette or a side of lightly dressed arugula. The acidity cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
Serve Family-Style
Present the chicken in the baking dish or on a large platter. Spoon a bit of the golden topping over each piece before serving so guests can enjoy that buttery crust and creamy sauce together — it’s a visual and flavorful showstopper.
Pair with the Right Drink
A crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce, while sparkling water with lemon keeps the meal light and refreshing. For comfort-night vibes, pair it with iced tea or homemade lemonade.
Make It a Comfort Meal
For the ultimate cozy dinner, serve the chicken alongside buttered noodles or fluffy rice, letting the sauce mingle into the sides. It’s simple, rustic, and deeply satisfying.
Reheat Smartly
To enjoy leftovers, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, uncovered, to keep the crust crisp and the inside tender. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the topping soggy.
Garnish for a Restaurant Touch
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or thyme before serving. The pop of green adds freshness and makes the golden crust look even more irresistible.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 412 kcal | Total Fat: 27.8 g | Saturated Fat: 10.6 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9.4 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.8 g | Cholesterol: 110 mg | Sodium: 720–850 mg (depending on added salt and cheese) | Total Carbohydrates: 7.6 g | Dietary Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugars: 2.1 g | Protein: 35.4 g
Based on one serving (1 chicken breast with topping and crust) out of four total servings.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Yes! While provolone melts beautifully and gives a mild, buttery flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella for extra stretchiness, Swiss for a nuttier note, or sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor contrast. Each version adds its own delicious twist to the creamy base.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes before placing it in the oven. This makes it ideal for busy nights or entertaining guests.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter version, swap regular mayonnaise and sour cream with Greek yogurt or light mayo, and use reduced-fat provolone or mozzarella. You’ll still get a creamy, satisfying texture with fewer calories and less fat.
Why did my topping turn soggy instead of crispy?
This usually happens when the oven temperature is too low or the dish is covered while baking. Always bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) to allow the cracker topping to turn golden and crisp. Using freshly crushed crackers instead of pre-crumbled ones also helps maintain crunch.
What are the best sides to serve with Golden Baked Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or asparagus. For a lighter meal, serve it with a crisp green salad or steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy and doesn’t dry out while baking?
To keep the chicken tender, avoid overbaking — check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. The creamy topping also acts as a natural moisture barrier, locking in juiciness. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before seasoning.
Can I substitute the cracker topping with something else?
Yes. You can use panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed pretzels for a crunchier texture. Mixing them with a teaspoon of melted butter or olive oil before sprinkling helps them crisp up evenly.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble the entire dish (except the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the crushed crackers and bake as usual. This makes it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without losing the crispy top?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes uncovered. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the crust. For extra crispiness, use an air fryer for 5–6 minutes until the top turns golden again.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes — boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and often stay even more tender. You may need to adjust baking time to 35–40 minutes since thighs cook faster than breasts. The rich flavor of thighs pairs wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy topping.