Creamy Pimento Cheese Chicken Bake with Cheddar and Peppers
This comforting chicken bake combines tender boneless breasts with a rich, creamy pimento cheese topping made from mayonnaise, sharp cheddar, and diced pimento peppers. The mixture creates a golden, bubbly crust while keeping the chicken incredibly moist underneath. Seasoned with garlic powder and paprika for extra flavor, this dish makes an easy weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company. The Southern-inspired pimento cheese coating adds tangy, cheesy goodness that pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a glass baking dish
- 2
Drain pimento peppers and chop into small pieces
- 3
Combine mayonnaise, garlic powder, paprika, salt, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced pimentos in a large mixing bowl, stirring until well blended
- 4
Place chicken breasts in prepared baking dish and generously spread pimento cheese mixture over the top of each
- 5
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until topping turns golden brown and internal temperature of chicken reaches 165-170°F
Tips
Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and better topping coverage
Let chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before serving
Use block cheese and shred yourself for better melting than pre-shredded varieties
Good to Know
Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Assemble up to 4 hours ahead, cover and refrigerate, add 5-10 minutes to baking time
Serve hot immediately after resting
Common Mistakes
Use meat thermometer to avoid overcooking chicken and drying it out
Don't skip greasing the dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
less tangy, sweeter flavor
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in thighs work well but increase cooking time to 40-45 minutes and check that internal temperature reaches 165°F throughout the thickest part.
What if I don't have pimento peppers?
Substitute with diced roasted red peppers or jarred cherry peppers for similar color and mild pepper flavor, though taste will be slightly different.
How long does this keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in microwave or whole dish in 350°F oven until warmed through.