Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those comforting dishes that never fails to impress. With its creamy topping and juicy chicken, it’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a laid-back weekend gathering. I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I wanted something hearty yet easy to pull together, and it has since become a household favorite. The combination of cream cheese and chicken creates a rich, savory flavor that’s hard to resist!
Why you’ll love this dish
What sets this recipe apart is its incredible simplicity paired with a gourmet taste. It takes minimal effort and is ready in just about an hour, making it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time but still want something special. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, using only a handful of ingredients that you likely have on hand. It’s kid-approved, too—my children absolutely devour it!
“This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken was so delicious! My family couldn’t get enough, and I love how easy it was to make.” – A Happy Reviewer
The cooking process explained
Making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is straightforward, allowing you to have a fantastic meal with little fuss. You’ll start by preheating your oven, then mix together decadent cheeses and seasonings to create that unforgettable topping. After preparing the chicken breasts, they will bake first covered, then uncovered to achieve a golden, bubbling finish. It’s a process that results in juicy chicken enveloped in creamy goodness!
What you’ll need
Gather these items for an incredible meal:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Feel free to use low-fat cream cheese or even goat cheese for a flavor twist!
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding pouring directly on the cheese mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from browning too quickly.
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
Best ways to enjoy it
When serving Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, it’s delightful alongside a variety of sides. For a wholesome meal, pair it with roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or pasta to soak up the delicious cream sauce.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any remaining Baked Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If you’re looking to store it longer, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
Helpful cooking tips
- Use room-temperature cream cheese to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
- If you’d like a bit of heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Creative twists
Want to make this dish even more enticing? Consider adding some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese mixture for added flavor. You could also try different cheeses based on your preference—gruyère or a spicy pepper jack can add a fun twist. For a lighter version, swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare?
Prep time is about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 35-40 minutes.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just ensure to extend the cooking time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so you don’t need to modify anything to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Now that you have everything you need, it’s time to enjoy this delightful Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe that combines ease with rich, mouthwatering flavors! Your taste buds will thank you.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil For greasing the baking dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped Optional for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding pouring directly on the cheese mixture.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the topping from browning too quickly.
Cooking
- Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbly and golden.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.
