Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
What’s better than a cozy, creamy meal that feels like a warm hug from the inside out? Picture this: golden, juicy chicken breasts nestled in a bed of dreamy garlic-infused cream cheese sauce, gently bubbling in the oven. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills your kitchen, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation. Each bite delivers a delightful blend of textures—tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a hint of brightness from fresh chives. It’s comfort food that’s quick enough for a weekday dinner yet special enough to impress guests. Ah, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is pure weeknight magic.
Table of Contents
I remember the first time I made this dish for my family. It was a chilly autumn evening, and we had just returned from an outing. My kids were tired but eager to eat, and this recipe came to the rescue, transforming a hectic night into a warm gathering around the dinner table. Now, every time we enjoy this dish, it brings back that sense of comfort and togetherness. So whether you’re dressing up for a special occasion or just wanting to treat yourself midweek, I invite you to dive into this delicious experience. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken over and over again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, you’ll have a comforting meal in no time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The rich cream cheese paired with garlicky chicken creates a harmony that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Creamy, cheesy goodness topped with melted cheddar makes for a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
- Flexible Serving: This dish shines at dinner but also works well for casual gatherings or as leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Consider swapping cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a lighter version.
Ingredients You’ll Need
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
These provide the perfect base for the dish—tender, juicy, and easy to cook. Feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer dark meat!
1 tbsp olive oil
This adds a touch of richness and helps achieve that lovely golden sear on the chicken.
1 clove garlic (minced)
Garlic infuses incredible flavor. Fresh is best, but you can use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re in a pinch.
1/2 cup chicken broth
Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the flavor better. You can substitute vegetable broth for a lighter option.
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
This creamy base creates that dreamy sauce. Make sure it’s softened to avoid lumps; you can microwave it for a few seconds if necessary.
1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
Chives add a mild onion flavor and beautiful color. If you don’t have them, green onions work great too!
1 tsp paprika
This brings a subtle smokiness and lovely color to the chicken. Adjust the amount to your taste!
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Essential for enhancing flavors—don’t skip this!
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
If you love a cheesy crust, this is your go-to. Use mozzarella for a milder taste or leave it out for a simpler dish.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
A sprinkle of parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh finish.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This step ensures your chicken won’t stick while baking and helps achieve that golden, appetizing finish.
Season and Sear: Take your seasoned chicken breasts, sprinkled with salt, pepper, and paprika, and heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are beautifully golden brown. You want to lock in those juicy flavors! Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Cook Garlic: In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Cook for just 30 seconds, or until it’s fragrant—this is the moment you want to savor! Then, add the chicken broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. This step infuses the broth’s flavors into the sauce.
Mix the Cream Cheese: Now it’s time for the star of the show! Add the softened cream cheese into the skillet and stir until it’s smooth and creamy. This will create a luscious sauce to blanket your chicken. Don’t forget to add in the fresh chives and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper for that final burst of flavor!
Assemble: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the prepared baking dish, and generously pour that velvety cream cheese mixture all over them. If you’re feeling cheesy (who isn’t?), sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top for an irresistible crispy edge.
Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) — a trusty kitchen thermometer comes in handy here! If you added cheese, pop it under the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden crust that everyone loves.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Before serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness!
Storing & Reheating
You can store leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, freezing is an option as well—just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and consume within 3 months for the best flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy this creamy goodness again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. Be aware that the sauce might thicken a bit, and to refresh it, add a splash of chicken broth to bring back that creamy allure.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t skip the searing step; it locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Ingredient temperature: Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened, so it mixes smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
- Timing strategies: If you want to save time, consider butterfly cutting your chicken breasts to reduce cooking time.
- Flavor enhancement: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a new twist!
- Make-ahead options: You can prepare the chicken and cream cheese mixture ahead of time and store it uncooked in the fridge for a day before baking to save time on busy nights.
Each bite of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a delightful reminder of cozy nights and shared meals. This dish isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating moments around the dining table, making memories with family and friends, and maybe even sharing a laugh or two over a delicious meal. So don’t hesitate to play around with flavors and sides—enjoy every spoonful!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking. If you try to cook them from frozen, the chicken may cook unevenly, and you won’t get that delightful sear.
What side dishes pair well with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?
This creamy dish pairs nicely with really almost anything! Consider light sides like steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or rice are fantastic choices to soak up that delicious sauce!
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy, allowing for a few extra minutes in baking time since it will be cold.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Additionally, ensure your chicken broth is also free from dairy. This way, you can still enjoy the creamy goodness without the dairy!
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📖 Recipe Card
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken features juicy chicken breasts bathed in a creamy, garlic-infused sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
- In the same skillet, cook minced garlic for 30 seconds, add chicken broth and simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth, then add fresh chives and adjust seasoning.
- Place seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over top. Optionally add shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Broil for 2-3 minutes for a crispy cheese topping.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Consider butterfly cutting chicken breasts for quicker cooking.
For a lighter dish, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
