Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet totally mouthwatering dinner, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is your new go-to! Picture this: juicy, tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, garlicky sauce that bakes into perfection. The richness of the cream cheese adds a deliciously comforting touch, while the flavors meld together in a way that’ll make you feel like you’ve hit the dinner jackpot. Whether you’re cooking for the family or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready, because this dish will become a regular on your weeknight rotation!

Why You’ll Love Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here’s why this recipe is going to steal your heart:

Effortlessly Delicious:

This recipe is super easy to make and doesn’t require fancy ingredients, but the end result tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Trust me, it’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Creamy Perfection:

The cream cheese creates a luscious, rich sauce that takes the chicken to the next level. It’s indulgent but in the best, most comforting way.

Versatile:

You can serve this with just about anything! Whether you want it with mashed potatoes, rice, or a fresh salad, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.

Minimal Prep:

This dish comes together quickly—there’s no need to fuss with complicated steps. Just mix, coat, and bake. Easy peasy!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Even the pickiest eaters will devour this one. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and garlicky flavor make this a dish that’ll satisfy everyone at the table.

Ingredients

This baked chicken recipe uses a few pantry staples to create something extraordinary:

Chicken Breasts: The juicy, lean protein that serves as the base for this dish. You want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe for the best texture.

Cream Cheese: The creamy, dreamy base for the sauce that takes the chicken to new heights. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.

Garlic Powder: A subtle garlic flavor that blends perfectly with the creamy sauce and enhances the chicken’s natural taste.

Onion Powder: Another flavor enhancer that gives the sauce a savory depth.

Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Adds richness and melts beautifully over the chicken for that cheesy finish.

Parmesan Cheese: For a little extra flavor kick, parmesan brings a salty, nutty twist to the dish.

Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme to make the sauce extra fragrant and flavorful.

Salt & Pepper: A must to bring all the flavors together.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to the good part—how to make this creamy chicken dream come true:

Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and the sauce gets bubbly and golden.

Prepare the Chicken:

Place the chicken breasts in a greased baking dish. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness. This ensures even cooking and helps the cream cheese sauce coat the chicken better.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy.

Coat the Chicken:

Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over the top of each chicken breast, making sure to cover the chicken completely. The more creamy goodness, the better!

Bake the Chicken:

Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). The top should be golden and bubbly, and the chicken should be tender and juicy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parmesan or fresh herbs, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 360
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 42g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with so many sides. Here are a few serving ideas to make your meal complete:

With Roasted Vegetables:

A simple side of roasted veggies—think carrots, zucchini, or broccoli—complements the creamy chicken perfectly.

Over Rice:

Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The creamy sauce will soak into the rice, making every bite extra flavorful.

With Mashed Potatoes:

There’s nothing quite like pairing this creamy chicken with a serving of mashed potatoes. The rich sauce pairs wonderfully with the creamy potatoes!

With a Fresh Salad:

A crisp, refreshing salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken and make for a well-rounded meal.

With Pasta:

Serve the chicken alongside pasta—spaghetti, fettuccine, or even a simple penne. The creamy sauce would also work wonders mixed with pasta.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: Want a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist!
• Herb it Up: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme would make a beautiful finishing touch. Sprinkle them over the chicken after baking for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can also freeze this dish! Just assemble the chicken and cream cheese mixture, then freeze it before baking. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding a little extra time to the cooking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work just as well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as they might take a little longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
A2: You can try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free shredded cheese to make it dairy-free. The flavor will be a bit different but still delicious!

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
A3: Absolutely! You can double the recipe, just make sure you use a larger baking dish and adjust the baking time if needed.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can prepare the chicken and cream cheese mixture in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This is a great option for meal prepping.

Q5: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A5: The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The cream cheese will be golden and bubbly around the edges.

Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Yes! Feel free to add some spinach, mushrooms, or even bell peppers to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy your craving for something rich, creamy, and comforting. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful dinner that feels indulgent yet easy to make. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or even for impressing guests at a dinner party. Get ready to savor every bite—this recipe will quickly become a family favorite! Enjoy!

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