How do I keep chicken breast juicy?

Avoid overcooking it during the initial browning. Quickly brown the chicken, then finish cooking it gently in the sauce over low heat.

Can I make this chicken without mayonnaise?

Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with sour cream or another creamy sauce. The finished dish will have a milder and less rich flavor.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly grated cheese is preferable. It generally melts more smoothly and creates a more even cheesy topping.

Why is the mayonnaise diluted with boiling water?

The water makes the mayonnaise thinner and easier to distribute throughout the pan. This helps coat the chicken evenly during simmering.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should be completely opaque inside, with clear juices when cut. For the most reliable check, the thickest piece should reach about 74 °C internally.

Can I bake this chicken instead?

Yes. Transfer the prepared chicken and sauce to an oven-safe baking dish and bake until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted. The texture will differ slightly from the stovetop version.

Chicken with a cheese head

Name: Chicken with a cheese head
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 2 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Chicken breast — 700 g; Mayonnaise — 40 g; Garlic — 10 g; Semi-hard cheese — 50 g; Dill — 5 g

30min

805g

Nutrition per 100g

201

This cheesy chicken breast is an easy way to turn simple chicken into a rich, comforting dinner. Tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, melted cheese, garlic, and fresh dill. The result is juicy, savory, and packed with flavor without requiring complicated cooking techniques. It is ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

5 products

Base

Sauce

Cheesy Topping

Herbs

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The most important trick is not to overcook the chicken during the initial browning stage. Cook the pieces just until lightly golden, then let them finish gently in the sauce so the breast stays tender. Diluting the mayonnaise with a little boiling water makes the sauce easier to distribute evenly over the chicken. Freshly grated cheese, garlic, and dill give the finished dish a much brighter aroma and a smoother cheesy texture.

Step 1

Cut the chicken

Pat the chicken breast dry with paper towels and cut it into small, evenly sized pieces. Keeping the pieces similar in size helps them cook at the same rate.

Step 2

Brown the chicken

Heat a skillet and add the chicken pieces. Cook over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden on the outside. Do not cook the chicken completely at this stage.

Step 3

Make the cheesy sauce

In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with a small amount of boiling water until smooth. Stir in the grated semi-hard cheese, minced garlic, and finely chopped fresh dill.

Step 4

Add the sauce

Once the chicken is lightly browned, pour the prepared cheese sauce into the skillet. Stir gently so the sauce coats all the chicken pieces evenly.

Step 5

Simmer until tender

Reduce the heat to low and simmer the chicken in the sauce for about 10–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, while the sauce becomes hot, thick, and aromatic.

Step 6

Serve hot

Remove the skillet from the heat and let the chicken rest for 2–3 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it stands. Serve hot with your favorite side dish.

CHEF'S TIP

Keep the chicken juicy

Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces and brown them briefly. Avoid cooking the breast for too long before adding the sauce, as this can make lean chicken dry.

Thin the mayonnaise

A small amount of boiling water makes the mayonnaise easier to spread throughout the pan. Add the water gradually so the sauce stays creamy rather than watery.

Choose a good melting cheese

Use a semi-hard cheese that melts smoothly for the best cheesy topping. Grate it fresh using a medium or coarse grater so it melts evenly over the chicken.

Use fresh garlic

Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce a much more vibrant aroma. The recipe uses enough to add flavor without overpowering the creamy cheese sauce.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

Use turkey instead Boneless turkey breast can replace the chicken in the same general amount. Cut it into small pieces and check for doneness carefully to avoid overcooking.
Replace some mayonnaise with sour cream Part of the mayonnaise can be replaced with sour cream for a milder, creamier sauce. This creates a softer flavor while keeping the sauce rich.
Try another melting cheese Gouda, Edam, mozzarella, or another good-melting semi-hard cheese can be used. Each option will give the dish a slightly different flavor.
Make it without mayonnaise For a lighter version, replace the mayonnaise with sour cream. The sauce will be less rich but the chicken will still be tender and flavorful.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Cheesy Chicken Breast

Let the cooked chicken cool briefly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate at 4 °C or below for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a small splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps keep the chicken moist. The dish can be frozen, although the cheese sauce may become slightly different in texture after thawing. For the best result, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.

GOOD TO KNOW