Elegant Mushroom-Crusted Chicken Bake
This elegant and savory chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts wrapped in a crunchy, seasoned mushroom breadcrumb coating, covered with melted mozzarella cheese. A rich chicken broth bathes the entire dish for extra flavor, ensuring every bite is juicy and delectable. Serve this delightful recipe over a bed of fresh noodles or fluffy rice to create a gourmet experience at home that will certainly impress guests and please family members alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh mushrooms
8 ounces (sliced)
boneless chicken breasts
4 large (none)
eggs
2 (beaten)
seasoned bread crumbs
1 cup (none)
butter
2 tablespoons (none)
mozzarella cheese
6 ounces (sliced)
chicken broth
3/4 cup (none)
fresh parsley
to garnish (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Spread half of the sliced mushrooms evenly in the bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan.
3
In a shallow dish, dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with seasoned bread crumbs.
4
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken breasts and brown for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
5
Place browned chicken breasts directly on top of the mushrooms in the baking pan.
6
Evenly distribute the remaining sliced mushrooms over the chicken.
7
Lay slices of mozzarella cheese atop the chicken and mushrooms.
8
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken breasts, ensuring it spreads evenly in the pan.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
10
Serve the chicken hot over cooked noodles or rice and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Elegant Mushroom-Crusted Chicken Bake?
It is a savory dish featuring tender chicken breasts coated in seasoned bread crumbs and mushrooms, topped with mozzarella cheese and baked in chicken broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or 175 degrees Celsius.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 large boneless chicken breasts.
How do I prepare the mushrooms?
You will need 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, which should be sliced before starting the assembly.
How do I coat the chicken breasts?
Dip each chicken breast into beaten eggs and then coat them thoroughly with seasoned bread crumbs.
Why do I need to brown the chicken in a skillet first?
Browning the chicken in butter for 2-3 minutes per side creates a golden, crunchy exterior before it finishes cooking in the oven.
What size baking pan should I use?
A 13x9-inch baking pan is recommended for this recipe.
How are the mushrooms layered in the pan?
Half of the sliced mushrooms go on the bottom of the pan, and the remaining half are placed over the chicken breasts.
When do I add the mozzarella cheese?
Lay the slices of mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken and mushrooms just before pouring the broth and baking.
How much chicken broth is required?
You will need 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
Where do I pour the chicken broth?
Pour the broth around the chicken breasts in the pan so it spreads evenly but doesn't wash off the crust.
How long does the dish take to bake?
The chicken should bake for 30-35 minutes.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through and the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden.
What are the recommended sides for this dish?
It is best served over a bed of fresh noodles or fluffy rice.
What garnish should I use?
The recipe suggests using fresh chopped parsley as a garnish.
Can I use panko instead of seasoned bread crumbs?
Yes, panko can be used for extra crunch, but you may want to add your own seasoning to the crumbs.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Yes, other melting cheeses like provolone or Swiss would work well as substitutes.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as an elegant gourmet experience perfect for impressing guests.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used, though you should monitor the cooking time as it may vary.
What can I use instead of butter for browning?
You can substitute olive oil or margarine if you prefer not to use butter.
Do I need to grease the baking pan?
The recipe doesn't require greasing because the broth and mushrooms provide enough moisture to prevent sticking.
Can I add other vegetables?
While the focus is on mushrooms, adding thin slices of onion or bell pepper could enhance the flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I use dried parsley?
Fresh parsley is preferred for the best presentation, but dried parsley can be used in the crust or as a light garnish.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, the combination of cheese, breading, and broth makes it a refined version of comfort food.
What if I don't have chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or water with a bouillon cube can be used as a replacement.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the breading and layering ahead of time, but it is best baked immediately for the best texture.
How should I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees to maintain the crust's texture, or use a microwave for convenience.
Can I use canned mushrooms?
Fresh mushrooms provide the best texture, but canned, drained mushrooms can be used if fresh are unavailable.