Million Dollar Chicken Bake

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Colby Jack cheese creates a luscious sauce that’s complemented by the savory crunch of beef and the freshness of green onions.

  • Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this dish ready to bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  • One-Dish Meal: Everything cooks together in a single baking dish, minimizing cleanup and maximizing convenience.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly cut or pounded

  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef

  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 onions)

  • 1.5 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled beef, chopped green onions, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until well combined.

  3. Assemble the Dish: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.

  4. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce mixture.

  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

  6. Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with additional crumbled beef and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes

  • Total Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes

Variations

  • Cheese Options: While Colby Jack is recommended, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

  • Vegetable Add-ins: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the cream cheese mixture for added nutrition and flavor.

  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, then bake as directed.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

It’s best to thaw frozen chicken breasts before preparing this recipe to ensure even cooking.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the flavor and nutritional value.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used. Reduce the baking time to 20-25 minutes since the chicken is already cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients, especially the mayonnaise and beef, are gluten-free.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s not recommended to freeze this dish after baking, as the texture may change. However, you can freeze the assembled (unbaked) dish for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What can I serve with this chicken bake?

This dish pairs well with a simple side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Making this recipe dairy-free would require significant substitutions, such as using dairy-free cream cheese, mayonnaise, and cheese alternatives.

Conclusion

Million Dollar Chicken Bake is a delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that come together in a simple, one-dish meal. Its ease of preparation and versatility make it a must-try for any home cook looking to please a crowd or enjoy a comforting dinner at home.

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Million Dollar Chicken Bake

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  • Author: Isabella
  • Total Time: 40-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free
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Description

Million Dollar Chicken Bake is an easy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream cheese, mayonnaise, and beef mixture, then topped with melted Colby Jack cheese, this dish is quick to prepare, requires minimal cleanup, and offers the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly cut or pounded

6 oz cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled beef

1/2 cup green onions, chopped (about 4 onions)

1.5 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled beef, chopped green onions, and half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until well combined.

Assemble the Dish: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.

Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining Colby Jack cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce mixture.

Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

Garnish and Serve: Once baked, garnish with additional crumbled beef and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated.

  • Make Ahead: Prepare the dish up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

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