Description

This Chicken Chesapeake recipe features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts, topped with a rich crab imperial mixture, seasoned with Old Bay, and finished with melted cheese. A true Maryland classic, this dish blends the best of land and sea, making it perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. Serve it with roasted potatoes, asparagus, or garlic butter rice for a complete, restaurant-worthy experience!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 thin cutlets)
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter or olive oil

For the Crab Imperial Topping:

1 cup lump crab meat (Maryland Blue Crab preferred)
¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup shredded Parmesan or cheddar cheese

For the Optional Old Bay Cream Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1 cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk for a lighter version)
½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Old Bay, salt, and pepper.
Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly golden (it will finish cooking in the oven).
Transfer the chicken to a greased baking dish.

Step 2: Make the Crab Imperial Topping

In a medium bowl, gently mix together the crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, Old Bay, lemon juice, and beaten egg. Be careful not to break up the crab meat.
Spoon a generous portion of the crab mixture on top of each chicken breast.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

Sprinkle Parmesan or cheddar cheese over the crab topping.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden brown.
For a crispy top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.

Step 4: Make the Optional Old Bay Cream Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add Old Bay seasoning and heavy cream, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into a smooth sauce. Drizzle over the baked chicken before serving.

Notes

Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and replace any breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers.
Make It Lighter – Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt and use evaporated skim milk instead of heavy cream.
Storing Leftovers – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American, Maryland Seafood

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with crab topping
Calories: ~420 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: ~750mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 40g
Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Chicken Chesapeake, Maryland Chicken Recipe, Crab Imperial Chicken, Old Bay Chicken, Chesapeake Bay Recipe, Seafood-Stuffed Chicken