Bechamel Baked Chicken
Bechamel Baked Chicken is a comforting and creamy dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal. Bathed in a rich béchamel sauce infused with garlic and cheese, this dish promises to delight your taste buds while filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress and leave everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese (or Parmesan)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in flour, cooking for about two minutes. Slowly add milk while whisking until smooth and thickened.
- Stir in grated cheese until melted; add paprika if desired.
- Pour half of the béchamel sauce over the chicken in the baking dish, then pour the remaining sauce on top.
- Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Let rest before serving with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (about 6oz)
- Calories: 440
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: For added flavor, sear the chicken in a hot pan before baking. Feel free to substitute turkey or plant-based proteins like mushrooms or eggplant for a twist. Experiment with different cheeses or herbs like thyme or rosemary for personalization.