Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, but thaw them completely in the fridge and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before cooking.

Why does the sauce separate?

The sauce may separate if heated too quickly or if cold ingredients are added. Use cream at room temperature and avoid boiling.

How to thicken the sauce?

After baking, transfer the sauce to a saucepan, add 1 teaspoon of flour mixed with water, and heat, stirring, until thickened.

Can I replace lemon with something else?

You can use lime or 1 tablespoon of wine vinegar — the acidity adds freshness to the dish.

How long should I bake with cheese?

15 minutes at 200°C (400°F) is enough to melt and brown the cheese. If it starts to burn, cover the dish with foil.

Chicken breasts baked in cream with cheese

Name: Chicken breasts baked in cream with cheese
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Pickled Tomatoes — 100 g; Lemon — 50 g; 35% Cream (Fatty) — 100 g; Hard cheese — 100 g; Onion — 100 g; Salt — 2 g; Black pepper powder — 2 g; Chicken breast — 800 g

60min

1254g

Nutrition per 100g

157

These creamy baked chicken breasts are a dish that wins hearts with their tenderness and rich flavor. Moist meat infused with aromatic cream, lemon, and garlic, baked to a golden crust, with melted cheese making it even more irresistible. A perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress with a simple yet elegant dish.

HealthyanddeliciousLunchFats & OilsAt the Table

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

8 products

Соус

Pickled Tomatoes100 g

Lemon50 g

35% Cream (Fatty)100 g

Сыр

Основа

Специи

Black pepper powder2 g

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

For juicy, not-overcooked chicken, use heavy cream and avoid overbaking. Garlic and lemon add a subtle tang, while canned tomatoes bring a pleasant acidity. The cheese crust in the final minutes gives the dish a golden, appetizing finish. Follow our steps for a perfect dinner.

Step 1

Prep the Chicken Breasts

Rinse the chicken breasts, pat dry, and remove the skin if present. Peel and slice the garlic into thin slivers. Make small incisions in the fillet and insert the garlic slices. Season with salt and pepper on all sides.

Step 2

Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish with vegetable oil. Slice the onion into thin half-rings and spread them over the bottom. Place the prepared chicken breasts on top.

Step 3

Make the Sauce

In a bowl, mix the cream, juice of half a lemon, and grated canned tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's almost fully covered.

Step 4

First Bake

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 minutes without opening the door.

Step 5

Add the Cheese

After 30 minutes, remove the dish, sprinkle the breasts with coarsely grated cheese. Return to the oven and bake for another 15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 6

Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes. Serve hot, spooning the sauce over, with a side (potatoes, rice, vegetables) or crusty bread. Enjoy!

CHEF'S TIP

Stuff the Breast with Garlic

Make small slits in the fillet and insert garlic slices — this evenly distributes flavor throughout the meat and makes it more aromatic.

Use Heavy Cream

Cream with 35% fat won't curdle during baking and gives a velvety sauce. If using lighter cream, add 1 teaspoon of flour to thicken it.

Don't Overcook the Meat

Bake the breasts for exactly 30 minutes at 200°C, then 15 minutes with cheese. Check doneness by piercing the thickest part — juices should run clear.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle the finished dish with chopped parsley or basil — fresh aroma complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

With Chicken Thighs Replace breasts with boneless chicken thighs — they are juicier and more flavorful, though higher in calories. Increase baking time to 40 minutes.
With Tomato Paste Instead of Canned Tomatoes Use 2 tablespoons of tomato paste diluted in 50 ml of water instead of grated tomatoes — the flavor becomes more concentrated.
With Sour Cream Instead of Cream Replace cream with 20% sour cream — the sauce becomes tangier and thicker, with slightly fewer calories.
Cheese-Free (Lighter Version) Skip the cheese and simply brush the tops with oil for a golden finish, or bake 5 minutes longer.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts

Cool completely, store in an airtight container with the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 160°C (320°F) for 10–15 minutes or in the microwave. Freezing is not recommended — the creamy sauce may separate, and the texture of the meat will degrade.

GOOD TO KNOW