Chicken Imperial Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Ideas

Chicken Imperial is a timeless classic that brings elegance and rich flavor to your dining table. This dish, often associated with gourmet gatherings and special occasions, features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and smothered in a creamy, savory sauce with a hint of cheese and herbs.

It’s a great way to elevate a simple chicken meal into something extraordinary without too much fuss.

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort food with a touch of sophistication, Chicken Imperial is the perfect choice. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish impresses with its creamy texture, subtle spices, and golden crust.

Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides, making it a winner for any season.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Imperial recipe is beloved for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly flavorful, thanks to a luscious combination of cream, cheese, and herbs that coat the chicken beautifully.

The dish is also surprisingly simple to prepare, requiring basic ingredients and straightforward steps that even beginner cooks can follow.

Moreover, it offers a wonderful balance of protein and creamy indulgence, making it a hearty meal without overwhelming your palate. The golden baked topping adds a delightful texture contrast that elevates the overall experience.

Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably full fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter for searing
• Optional: 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth for deglazing

Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet or frying pan (cast iron or non-stick works well)
• Baking dish (if your skillet isn’t oven-safe)
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork to mix sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil (optional for covering)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready when you finish preparing the chicken.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts: Pat them dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil or butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
4. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
5. Deglaze the skillet by adding the white wine or chicken broth (optional). Scrape up any browned bits with a wooden spoon to add extra flavor to the sauce. Let it reduce for about 2 minutes.
6. Mix the sauce: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, and chopped parsley. Stir well until smooth.
7. Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet or transfer them to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe.
8. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering them completely.
9. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
10. Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and keeps the meat tender.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.

• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different cheesy profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
• Add some cooked mushrooms or sautéed spinach beneath the cheese layer for a veggie boost.
• Try marinating chicken breasts in lemon juice and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking for added zest.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top before baking.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Chicken Imperial pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside brown rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a crisp contrast to the creamy chicken.

For a more indulgent meal, roasted garlic bread or a warm dinner roll can complement the flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for something lighter, try pairing it with a simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

Conclusion

Chicken Imperial is a deliciously creamy and satisfying dish that brings both comfort and elegance to your dinner table. Its combination of tender chicken, savory cheese sauce, and golden-baked crust makes it a crowd-pleaser perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Best of all, it’s easy to prepare with common ingredients and simple steps that guarantee a flavorful meal.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is approachable and versatile, allowing plenty of room for personal touches through variations and seasoning tweaks. For those who enjoy exploring more delightful recipes, don’t miss our chicken pot pie easy recipe with veg all and soup included or explore All Recipes Chicken Rice and Vegetable Soup Ideas for more comforting chicken dishes.

And if you’re interested in vegetarian options, check out our Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Chicken Imperial”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and creamy baked chicken dish topped with a savory cheese and mushroom sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT60M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1/2 cup chopped onions”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup heavy cream”, “1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese”, “2 tablespoons butter”, “2 tablespoons all-purpose flour”, “1/2 cup chicken broth”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown chicken on both sides, about 3 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove chicken and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In the same skillet, melt butter and saut\u00e9 onions, garlic, and mushrooms until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until sauce thickens.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place chicken in a baking dish and pour sauce over it.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and cheese is golden.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450”, “proteinContent”: “45g”, “fatContent”: “28g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “6g”}}