Chipotle Fontina Chicken Bake
Indulge in a deliciously rich and creamy Chipotle Fontina Chicken Bake that's bursting with flavors. This dish combines tender, juicy boneless chicken thighs with a smoky chipotle sauce, melty Fontina cheese, and a touch of honey barbecue for an irresistible blend of savory and sweet. Topped with fresh cilantro for a hint of brightness, this comfort food masterpiece is perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends and family. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this easy yet gourmet dish that showcases the beauty of using simple pantry staples.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 lb (rinsed and dried)
light olive oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
chopped white onion
1 cup (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed and chopped)
chipotle chiles in adobo
1 (7 1/2 ounce) can (use 2 peppers, chopped with food-prep gloves)
honey barbecue sauce
1/2 cup
Fontina cheese
1 cup (shredded or cubed)
heavy cream
1/4 cup
fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon
fresh cilantro
1/4 cup (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Begin by rinsing and patting dry the boneless skinless chicken thighs. Place them in a glass baking dish in a single layer.
3
In a medium skillet, heat the light olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic to the skillet, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the chopped chipotle peppers from the adobo sauce. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.
5
Next, add the honey barbecue sauce and shredded Fontina cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is well combined, about 4 minutes.
6
Incorporate the heavy cream into the cheesy mixture, stirring until fully blended. Then add the fresh lime juice and mix well.
7
Pour the creamy chipotle sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in your baking dish, ensuring they are well coated.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
9
Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chipotle Fontina Chicken Bake?
It is a rich and creamy dish featuring tender chicken thighs, smoky chipotle sauce, melted Fontina cheese, and honey barbecue sauce.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for one pound of boneless skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How long does the chicken need to bake?
Bake the chicken for 45 minutes or until it is cooked through and no longer pink.
What can I use if I do not have Fontina cheese?
You can substitute Fontina with other melty cheeses like Mozzarella, Provolone, or mild Gouda.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a smoky heat from the chipotle peppers, but the cream and honey barbecue sauce help balance the spice.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may cook faster and might be less juicy than thighs.
How many chipotle peppers should I add?
The recipe recommends using two chopped chipotle peppers from a 7.5-ounce can of chipotles in adobo.
Should I wear gloves when handling the peppers?
Yes, it is recommended to use food-prep gloves when chopping chipotle peppers to avoid skin irritation.
What kind of barbecue sauce is best?
A honey barbecue sauce is recommended to provide a sweet contrast to the smoky chipotle flavor.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one cup of chopped white onion.
How should the garlic be prepared?
Use two garlic cloves that have been crushed and chopped.
What is the purpose of the heavy cream?
The heavy cream helps create a smooth, rich, and velvety sauce for the chicken.
What does lime juice add to the recipe?
One teaspoon of fresh lime juice is added to provide a hint of brightness and acidity to the sauce.
How should I garnish the dish?
Garnish the finished bake with 1/4 cup of freshly chopped cilantro.
What side dishes go well with this chicken bake?
It pairs perfectly with white rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
How do I reheat the chicken?
Reheat in the microwave or in an oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the chicken is warmed through.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and coat the chicken ahead of time, then bake it when you are ready to eat.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but always check the label on your barbecue sauce to ensure it does not contain gluten.
Is this dish suitable for a keto diet?
The honey barbecue sauce contains sugar; for a keto version, use a sugar-free barbecue sauce substitute.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses two tablespoons of light olive oil.
What size baking dish do I need?
A standard glass baking dish that can fit one pound of chicken in a single layer is ideal.
Why do I need a skillet for this recipe?
A skillet is used to sauté the aromatics and melt the cheese into the sauce before pouring it over the chicken.
Should I wash the chicken before cooking?
The recipe suggests rinsing and patting the chicken dry before placing it in the baking dish.
How do I make the sauce smooth?
Stir the sauce continuously in the skillet until the Fontina cheese is completely melted and combined.
Can I add extra vegetables to the bake?
Yes, bell peppers or corn would make great additions to the sauce for extra texture.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze it, though the cream-based sauce may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating.
How many people does this recipe serve?
With one pound of chicken, this recipe typically serves 2 to 4 people depending on portion sizes.