Easy Chicken Chesapeake (Maryland’s Famous Dish at Home!)

Name: Easy Chicken Chesapeake (Maryland’s Famous Dish at Home!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 lb lump crabmeat ((fresh or canned)); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp Dijon mustard

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Creamy, Crab-Stuffed Perfection in Every Bite!

If you’re craving the rich, coastal flavors of Maryland without leaving your kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! Our Easy Chicken Chesapeake recipe brings the iconic taste of Chesapeake Bay straight to your dinner table—no fancy skills required.

Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luxurious crab imperial topping, baked until golden and bubbling with cheesy goodness. This beloved regional specialty combines the best of land and sea in one unforgettable dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

In this foolproof guide, you’ll discover:

✅ The secret to perfectly cooked chicken every time
✅ How to make authentic Chesapeake seasoning at home
✅ Time-saving tips for busy cooks
✅ Serving suggestions that’ll impress your family

Whether you’re a Maryland native missing home flavors or a curious foodie looking to expand your recipe repertoire, this 30-minute Chicken Chesapeake will become your new favorite comfort food. Let’s dive in and create some Chesapeake magic in your kitchen!

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the Old Bay seasoning—it’s what gives this dish its signature Chesapeake Bay flavor!

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Chesapeake Recipe

If you’ve ever dined in Maryland, you’ve probably tasted *Chicken Chesapeake—a luscious, creamy, crab-topped chicken dish that’s pure comfort food. Today, I’m sharing my *easy, restaurant-quality version you can make at home in just 30 minutes!

✅ Juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy crab and cheese sauce.
✅ Simple ingredients (no fancy techniques!).
✅ Perfect for weeknights or dinner parties.

📜 What is Chicken Chesapeake?

Chicken Chesapeake is a Maryland classic, featuring:

Pan-seared chicken breasts
A rich, creamy crab imperial topping (made with lump crab, mayo, Old Bay, and cheese)
Baked until golden and bubbly

It’s like crab-stuffed chicken meets creamy seafood pasta—pure heaven!

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

(Serves 4)

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Crab Topping:

1 lb lump crabmeat (fresh or canned)
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard

(Pro Tip: For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt!)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear chicken 3-4 mins per side until golden (it’ll finish cooking in the oven).

Mixing fresh lump crab with mayo, cheese, and Old Bay for Chicken Chesapeake. — The secret to the best Chicken Chesapeake? A flavorful crab imperial topping!

2. Make the Crab Topping

In a bowl, mix:

Crabmeat
Mayo, cheese, Old Bay, Worcestershire, and mustard

3. Assemble & Bake

Place chicken in a baking dish.
Spoon crab mixture over each breast.
Bake 15-20 mins until bubbly and golden.

(Optional: Broil 1-2 mins for extra crispiness!)

💡 Chef Andrew’s Pro Tips

✔ Use fresh crab for the best flavor (but canned works in a pinch).
✔ Don’t overbake—the crab topping should be creamy, not dry.
✔ Serve with garlic mashed potatoes or roasted asparagus.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Pair your Chicken Chesapeake with:

Garlic butter pasta
A crisp green salad
Crusty bread (to soak up the sauce!)

Homemade Chicken Chesapeake baked to perfection with melted cheese and lump crab — Restaurant-quality Chicken Chesapeake—no fancy skills needed!

📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

❓ What is in Chicken Chesapeake?

Chicken Chesapeake is a Maryland classic dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy crab imperial mixture (lump crab, mayo, cheddar cheese, Old Bay seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce), then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s rich, savory, and packed with coastal flavors!

❓ Which is the best chicken dish in the world?

While “best” is subjective, Chicken Chesapeake is certainly a top contender for seafood lovers! Other globally beloved chicken dishes include Chicken Parmesan, Butter Chicken, and Coq au Vin—but Maryland’s crab-topped chicken is uniquely delicious.

❓ How to make chicken soft like restaurants?

Restaurants often brine chicken (soak in saltwater) or pound it evenly for tenderness. For this Chicken Chesapeake recipe, searing first, then baking keeps the chicken juicy. Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer (165°F internal temp).

❓ What is a crab chicken?

“Crab chicken” typically refers to Chicken Chesapeake or similar dishes where chicken is paired with a crab-based topping or stuffing. It’s a popular East Coast combo, blending poultry and seafood in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

❓ What is Chesapeake seasoning made of?*

Chesapeake seasoning (like Old Bay) includes:
Paprika
Celery salt
Black/red pepper
Mustard powder
Cloves
Allspice
Ginger
It’s the signature spice blend that gives Maryland crab dishes their iconic flavor!