Creamy Chicken Bake with Chipotle Cheese Sauce

This creamy chicken bake with chipotle cheese sauce is an easy recipe to turn boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins into a smoky, cheesy, flavor packed main dish.

CREAMY CHICKEN BAKE IS FULL OF FLAVOR

Oh friends. Have you ever had a recipe that just blows your mind? One that seems a bit strange as you read the ingredients, but amazes you when it really works? This creamy chicken bake is THAT recipe!

Imagine the smoky, gentle spice of chipotle chilies in adobo, with the rich texture of heavy cream, and melty goodness of fontina cheese. A splash of lime juice adds some brightness, balancing the aromatic flavors of onion and garlic.

AN EASY CHICKEN RECIPE FOR DINNER

Of course, what I really love about this creamy chicken bake is how easy it is to make. I used chicken tenderloins for this recipe, but you can use boneless skinless chicken breasts, or chicken thighs. Just go with whatever is on sale or quick to defrost from your freezer.

Making the sauce in a skillet only takes about 10 minutes. Then you simply season the chicken with salt and pepper in a casserole dish, and spread the sauce over it. Pop it in the oven, and 20-45 minutes later (depending on what cut of chicken you used) you’ve got an incredible, flavorful dinner!

TIPS FOR SERVING CREAMY CHICKEN BAKE

Be aware that the chicken will give off liquid as it cooks. The sauce gets a bit soupier, rather than staying thick like it was when you spread it on the chicken.

You can serve the chicken over rice, or use tortillas to mop up the sauce. We like to eat it with a simple avocado topped slaw made with green cabbage, lime juice, and salt and pepper. The slaw and chicken go SO well together, and it can also absorb some of the sauce on the plate.

You could also pair your creamy chicken bake with this Apple Cranberry Salad Recipe or some Quick Pickle Radishes.

Just be prepared for your family to lick their plates clean. LITERALLY. Not that my kids do that…EVER. Because I would not do that…EVER. I’m going to stop typing now and just tell you to try this creamy chicken bake. TRUST ME!

CREAMY CHICKEN BAKE SUPPLIES

Here’s what we use to make our creamy chicken bake with chipotle cheese sauce. If you buy ANYTHING on Amazon using one of these links, we get a small commission without it costing you anything extra. Thanks for supporting our family business!

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CREAMY CHICKEN BAKE WITH CHIPOTLE CHEESE SAUCE VIDEO

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Yield: 6

Creamy Chicken Bake with Chipotle Cheese Sauce

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This creamy chicken bake with chipotle cheese sauce is an easy recipe to turn boneless chicken breasts or tenderloins into a smoky, cheesy, flavor packed main dish. Feel free to substitute boneless chicken breasts or thighs for the tenderloins. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Adapted with permission from GeniusKitchen.com.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo
• 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
• 1 cup grated Fontina cheese
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat, and saute the onions and garlic until soft, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the adobo peppers and saute for 2 more minutes.
4. Stir in the BBQ sauce and fontina. Continue stirring until cheese is melted, then stir in the cream and lime juice.
5. Remove skillet from heat and spread sauce over the chicken thighs.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked with internal temperature of 160°F.
7. Top chicken with cilantro just before serving.

Notes

I like to buy the jar of chopped chipotle chilies in adobo sauce so I can use exactly the amount I want. If you store doesn't carry chopped chipotle chilies, just buy the canned chipotle chilies in adobo and wear gloves to chop 2 peppers from the can.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

6 Servings
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 345Saturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 111mgSodium: 835mgCarbohydrates: 13gSugar: 9gProtein: 30g

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