Delicious Party Chicken recipe served at a festive gathering.

Party Chicken

ByCasey Monroe

Why Make This Recipe

Party Chicken is a delicious and simple dish perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or even just a cozy dinner at home. It combines tender chicken with a crunchy, flavorful topping that everyone will love. This recipe is easy to prepare and can feed a crowd, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. Plus, the ingredients are mostly things you may have on hand, so you can whip it up without a lot of fuss!

How to Make Party Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for baking dish
  • 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 2 Tbsp. thinly sliced chives, plus more for serving
  • 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 8 oz each)
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 cup finely shredded cheddar

Directions:

  1. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 400 degrees.
  2. Lightly grease a 13 x 9 baking dish with some olive oil.
  3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 Tbsp. of olive oil. Add the panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until they turn lightly browned, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer to a plate and let it cool.
  4. In a shallow bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, and mustard. Season this mixture with salt and pepper.
  5. Pat the chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle them with smoked paprika and season with salt and pepper on both sides.
  6. Dip each chicken breast into the mayo mixture, ensuring both sides are coated. Transfer them to the prepared baking dish. Spoon any remaining mayo mixture over the top of the chicken.
  7. Add the shredded cheddar to the cooled panko and season with pepper. Stir to combine, then top the chicken with this panko mixture, gently pressing it down to adhere.
  8. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the center reads 165 degrees and the topping is golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
  9. Transfer the chicken to a platter and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Top with more chives for a fresh touch.

How to Serve Party Chicken

Party Chicken is great on its own but also goes well with sides like roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad. Serve it warm and enjoy it with family and friends to make any meal special!

How to Store Party Chicken

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it until it’s heated through before enjoying again.

Tips to Make Party Chicken

  • Make sure to season your chicken well to enhance its flavor.
  • You can mix in different herbs or spices to the mayo mixture for additional flavor.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, try adding some hot sauce to the mayo mixture.

Variation

You can easily switch up the cheese in this recipe. Feel free to use mozzarella or Parmesan for a different taste. Additionally, you can add vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the mayo mixture for an extra kick.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but cooking time will vary. Bone-in chicken usually requires a longer cooking time, about 40-50 minutes.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and assemble it in the baking dish, then cover it and refrigerate. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.

3. Is there a vegetarian version of Party Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms and follow the same cooking instructions.