Party Chicken Recipe: A Perfect Crowd-Pleasing Dish

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and elegance in one dish, Party Chicken is the perfect option for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. With a creamy and cheesy topping, crispy breadcrumb coating, and tender chicken breasts, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a delicious meal, Party Chicken offers everything you need in one plate.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire recipe, provide advanced cooking tips, answer common questions, and share storage and adaptation tips to make sure this dish can suit any occasion or dietary preference. Let’s get started on making your next meal something special!

For more cooking inspiration and tips, check out these links:

• Easy and Delicious Chicken Recipes for Any Occasion
• How to Perfectly Cook Chicken Breasts Every Time

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

This Party Chicken recipe is simple to follow and creates a flavor-packed meal. With just a few ingredients and some straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. Here’s the full ingredient list and detailed instructions.

Party Chicken Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Crowd-Pleasing Dish

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Party Chicken is a savory, crowd-pleasing dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and fresh chives, all topped with a crispy panko breadcrumb crust and melted cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings, special occasions, or just a fun weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

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• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives, plus more for garnish
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 4 (6- to 8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

2. Make the Sauce:
   In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and thinly sliced chives. Mix until smooth.

3. Prepare the Panko Topping:
   In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and smoked paprika. Add a pinch of salt and a drizzle of olive oil to the breadcrumbs, tossing until evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Dish:
   Spread the mayonnaise-sour cream mixture over the top of each chicken breast. Then, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly on top of the sauce-covered chicken.

5. Bake the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is golden brown.

6. Add Cheese:
   In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken breasts. Continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Serve:
   Remove the chicken from the oven and garnish with additional sliced chives before serving. Enjoy with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Make-Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, cover, and refrigerate it for a few hours before cooking.

Variation: Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for another cheese like mozzarella or gouda if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with topping
• Calories: 470 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 630mg
• Fat: 29g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 13g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Party Chicken

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. You can also lightly pound the chicken breasts to ensure they cook evenly if needed.
3. Make the Topping: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika. Stir in the finely shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of chives until well mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cheesy topping mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. Add the Breadcrumbs: In a separate small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of olive oil. Stir well, then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover the entire surface of each breast.
6. Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F) and the topping is golden brown and bubbly.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and garnish with additional chopped chives. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Advanced Techniques

To make your Party Chicken even more special, here are a few advanced techniques that will elevate the dish:

Perfecting the Chicken Breasts

If you’re concerned about overcooking or undercooking the chicken breasts, a great technique is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will guarantee the chicken is cooked to perfection every time.

Making the Topping Even Richer

While the basic topping of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard is delicious on its own, you can add extra flavor by incorporating garlic powder, onion powder, or a little bit of freshly grated parmesan cheese into the mixture. These additions will provide a savory boost to the dish.

Crispy Breadcrumbs

For an extra crispy topping, toast the panko breadcrumbs before adding them to the chicken. Simply heat a small pan over medium heat and toast the breadcrumbs in a little bit of olive oil until golden brown. Then sprinkle them over the chicken as instructed. This adds a deeper crunch and flavor to the dish.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Knowing how to store and reheat your Party Chicken is key to enjoying leftovers at their best. Here’s how to store, reheat, and maintain this dish’s flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

Once your Party Chicken has cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to store the chicken and topping separately if possible to maintain the crispness of the breadcrumb topping.

Freezing Party Chicken

If you want to prepare Party Chicken in advance, you can freeze it for later use. To do this, prepare the dish up until the baking step (without baking it) and then wrap the unbaked chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Store it in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to cook, simply thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Reheating Party Chicken

To reheat Party Chicken, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the topping is still crisp. If the topping has lost some of its crunch, you can place the chicken under the broiler for the last few minutes to restore the crispy texture.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

If you or your guests have specific dietary preferences or restrictions, Party Chicken can be easily adapted to accommodate various needs. Here are some tips on how to modify the recipe for different diets.

Dairy-Free Option

For a dairy-free version, substitute the sour cream and cheddar cheese with plant-based alternatives. Look for dairy-free mayonnaise and use a dairy-free cheese substitute that melts well to ensure a similar texture and flavor.

Low-Carb Option

To make the recipe low-carb, you can swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative. Serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or cauliflower rice for a complete low-carb meal.

Gluten-Free Option

This recipe is easy to make gluten-free by simply using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, which are available at most grocery stores. Be sure to check all packaged ingredients, like mustard and mayonnaise, to ensure they are gluten-free.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy but will require slightly longer cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes, you can prep the Party Chicken ahead of time by assembling it, covering it with plastic wrap, and refrigerating it until you’re ready to bake. When ready to bake, simply follow the instructions, and allow a few extra minutes for cooking if the chicken is cold from the fridge.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, you can easily swap it for another cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Gruyère. Just be sure to choose a cheese that melts well.

Can I make the breadcrumb topping without panko?

If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, though they may not be as crispy. Alternatively, crushed crackers or croutons can work well as a substitute for panko in this recipe.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Party Chicken is the ultimate dish for gatherings and celebrations, offering a balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures with tender chicken breasts. The combination of mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard creates a flavorful sauce, while the panko breadcrumbs add an irresistible crunch. Whether you’re preparing this dish for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a party, it’s sure to impress.

By following the simple recipe and making a few tweaks with advanced techniques, you can easily customize Party Chicken to fit your taste and dietary preferences. It’s a dish that can be made ahead, stored for later, and even frozen for future meals, making it both convenient and versatile.

Enjoy this delectable recipe with your loved ones and create a memorable meal every time!