Elevate your dinner game with this Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake – a cozy, comforting dish that’s brimming with bold, zesty flavors. Tender chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce and topped with a golden, crispy herb crust – this is the stuff that craveable, family-favorite dinners are made of.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake
Juicy chicken, velvety Alfredo sauce, and a crispy, flavorful topping come together in this epic, crowd-pleasing bake. The combination of rich, creamy indulgence and satisfying crunch makes this dish an absolute flavor sensation. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together with just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Get ready for a hearty, comforting dish that will have your family raving.
Ingredients
This Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake features a delectable blend of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and rosemary. The combination of rich, creamy elements and crispy, zesty toppings creates a truly craveable dish.
- 4 (6-oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts – pounded to even thickness
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, thyme, and rosemary
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs can be used instead (just adjust cooking time as needed)
- Parmesan Cheese: Try a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for an extra creamy and melty topping
How to Make Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake
This Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake comes together in just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, then season them with salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of the Parmesan cheese.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Arrange the seasoned chicken in the prepared baking dish and pour the creamy Alfredo mixture over the top. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and chopped herbs. Sprinkle this crispy topping evenly over the chicken and sauce.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Bake the Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden brown and crispy. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Creamy Alfredo: Stir in 2-3 ounces of softened cream cheese or shredded mozzarella to the Alfredo sauce for an even richer, creamier texture.
- Seasoning Blend: Experiment with different herb combinations, such as Italian seasoning or a Cajun spice mix, to customize the flavor profile.
- Side Dish Pairing: Serve the Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, comforting meal.
- Make-Ahead: Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or a side of garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake in a baking dish and heat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Make-Ahead: This dish can be assembled and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance before baking.
Nutrition Information
This Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake is a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers a nice balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Each serving provides approximately 550 calories, 35 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 35 grams of fat. It’s a comforting and indulgent meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the dish
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the end result will be just as juicy and delicious.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake in advance and bake it when ready to serve. Simply prepare the dish up to the point of adding the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, top with the crispy breadcrumb mixture and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Can I use a store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Definitely! If you’re short on time or prefer the convenience, a high-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of heavy cream accordingly, as some store-bought sauces may be thicker or thinner than homemade.
How can I make this dish more keto-friendly?
To make this Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake more keto-friendly, you can replace the panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. You can also reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese in the topping and opt for a higher ratio of herbs.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake for future meals. Prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed in the recipe.
Try These Next
- Crispy Lemon Herb Chicken Thighs
- Crispy Maple Bourbon Chicken Thighs With Herb Glaze
- Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken And Brussels Bake
Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Crispy Herb Chicken Alfredo Bake is a delightful dish combining tender chicken, rich Alfredo sauce, and a crispy herb topping. Perfect for family dinners!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, diced
8 oz fettuccine pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
3. 2. Cook the fettuccine pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. 3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
5. 4. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
6. 5. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
7. 6. Combine the cooked pasta with the chicken Alfredo sauce, mixing well.
8. 7. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
9. 8. In a separate bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta mixture.
10. 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
11. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
12.
Notes
For added flavor, consider using garlic breadcrumbs or adding sautéed mushrooms to the chicken mix.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, alfredo, bake, pasta, herbs