Imagine biting into a perfectly tender piece of chicken, oozing with melted provolone cheese and seasoned with aromatic Italian herbs. That’s the magic of Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal right in your home kitchen. This savory, protein-packed dinner combines the mild nuttiness of provolone with juicy chicken breasts for a comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. You’ll learn how to create a foolproof Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken that delivers perfect results every time, along with pro tips to elevate this dish to new heights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken will quickly become a household favorite for several compelling reasons. First, it strikes the perfect balance between being impressively delicious and remarkably simple to prepare, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The contrast between the crispy, seasoned exterior and the juicy, tender meat inside creates an irresistible texture experience that keeps you coming back for more.

The provolone cheese adds a mild, nutty flavor that melts beautifully, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the dish. Unlike some cheese-topped chicken recipes that can become rubbery, this baked provolone chicken maintains its moisture throughout the cooking process.

Perhaps best of all, this recipe requires minimal prep work—just season, top with cheese, and bake. The oven does most of the work, freeing you up to prepare sides or simply relax while dinner cooks. It’s also easily customizable to suit your family’s preferences, whether you want to add more herbs, spices, or even layer in some vegetables.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken, you’ll need:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds total)
8 slices provolone cheese (about 6 ounces)
2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

The provolone cheese is the star ingredient here—choose a good quality cheese for the best melt and flavor. If your chicken breasts are particularly large, consider butterflying or pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking. The Italian seasoning blend provides a perfect herb foundation, but feel free to use individual herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme if you prefer to customize the flavor profile of your baked chicken with provolone.

Pro Tips

Chicken Preparation Is Key

For the most tender provolone chicken bake, ensure your chicken breasts are of even thickness. If they vary in size, gently pound them between two pieces of plastic wrap using a meat mallet or heavy skillet. This not only helps them cook evenly but also tenderizes the meat for a juicier result. For extra flavor, consider brining your chicken breasts for 30 minutes in a solution of 4 cups water and 1/4 cup salt before patting dry and proceeding with the recipe.

Perfect Cheese Melting Technique

The timing of adding the provolone is crucial for achieving that Instagram-worthy cheese pull. Add the cheese during the last 5-7 minutes of baking for optimal melt without burning. If you want a slightly browned, bubbly top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. For an extra flavor boost, layer thin slices of provolone between small cuts in the chicken breast to create cheese-stuffed pockets.

Temperature Testing

Never guess when your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken is done. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees food safety while preventing overcooking. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven—this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when cut, resulting in a more succulent bite.

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. This preparation ensures your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken won’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2

Check your chicken breasts for even thickness. If they’re uneven, place them between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound the thicker parts with a meat mallet or the bottom of a heavy skillet until they’re approximately 1-inch thick throughout. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this is crucial for achieving good browning and helping the seasonings adhere properly.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece. For deeper flavor penetration, use your fingers to massage the seasonings into the meat.

Step 4

Arrange the seasoned chicken in your prepared baking dish, leaving a small space between each piece to allow for even heat circulation. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam rather than bake properly, affecting both texture and flavor development.

Step 5

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. The chicken will begin to cook through and develop flavor from the spice rub during this initial baking period. The exact time may vary depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Step 6

After 20 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and carefully place two slices of provolone cheese on top of each chicken breast, slightly overlapping them to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the provolone layer for an extra dimension of cheesy flavor and a slightly crispy texture when baked.

Step 7

Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’d like your cheese to develop a golden-brown top, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Step 8

Remove your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is essential for juicy chicken, as it allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Mediterranean Provolone Chicken

Transform your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken into a Mediterranean delight by adding a layer of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves under the provolone cheese. Season with additional oregano and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. After baking, finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze and a few crumbled feta cheese pieces for a tangy contrast to the melted provolone. This variation brings bright, fresh flavors that complement the chicken perfectly.

Keto-Friendly Provolone Chicken

For those following a ketogenic diet, modify this provolone chicken bake by using a seasoning blend without added sugars and incorporating more healthy fats. Add a layer of avocado slices alongside the provolone cheese, and consider topping with crumbled bacon pieces during the last few minutes of baking. Serve with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables instead of starchy sides for a complete keto-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or that satisfying cheesy goodness.

Spicy Italian Provolone Chicken

Heat things up by creating a spicy version of this dish. Before adding the provolone, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on each chicken breast, then top with thin slices of pepperoni or spicy salami. Add the provolone cheese as directed, then sprinkle with red pepper flakes and dried oregano. The result is a pizza-inspired Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken that delivers a satisfying kick of heat alongside the comforting cheesy topping.

Storage and Serving

Your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Microwaving is convenient but may cause the cheese to become rubbery, so use a 50% power setting and heat in 30-second intervals.

For an impressive dinner, serve this provolone chicken alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon butter. The creamy potatoes complement the cheesy chicken while the bright asparagus cuts through the richness.

For a lighter option, slice the chicken and fan it over a fresh garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette. The warm chicken slightly wilts the greens, creating a delightful temperature contrast.

This dish also makes excellent meal prep—portion it with steamed vegetables and quinoa or brown rice for nutritionally balanced lunches throughout the week. The flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the refrigerator, making leftovers something to look forward to.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re naturally more flavorful and less likely to dry out. Adjust cooking time to about 25-30 minutes total, as thighs typically take slightly longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I substitute for provolone cheese?
If provolone isn’t available, mozzarella makes an excellent substitute with its similar melting properties. Other good alternatives include fontina, Havarti, or Swiss cheese. Each will bring a slightly different flavor profile to your Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can season the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the cheese as directed in the recipe when you’re ready to bake. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

My cheese isn’t browning well. What should I do?
If you want more color on your cheese, switch your oven to broil for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it, as cheese can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly under the broiler.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, always check your specific seasonings and cheese packaging to ensure they haven’t been processed with any gluten-containing ingredients if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of tender, juicy chicken and gooey, nutty cheese that makes any dinner feel special without hours of effort. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasion meals, proving that sometimes the simplest combinations create the most satisfying results. Whether you’re serving it to impress dinner guests or simply treating your family to a delicious weeknight upgrade, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal fuss. The next time you’re craving something cheesy, comforting, and completely irresistible, this provolone chicken will answer the call beautifully.

Cheesy Provolone Baked Chicken