Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: A Comforting Meal

If you’re looking for a creamy, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that doesn’t take all night to prepare, then Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is your new go-to recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a velvety, cheese-packed cream cheese topping, creating a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special dinner for friends, this dish is guaranteed to impress!

In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make this easy and mouthwatering baked chicken. Get ready for a dish that’s going to have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is more than just a dinner; it’s an experience. The juicy chicken breasts bake to perfection under a blanket of creamy, cheesy goodness. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it’s been made by a professional chef—yet it’s easy enough for anyone to make.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights, but it also works well for casual get-togethers, holiday meals, or even a cozy dinner for two. The richness of the cream cheese and the chicken broth adds a depth of flavor that’s perfectly balanced, making every bite a delight. Plus, it’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with various side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Key Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

This dish requires only a few ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this creamy masterpiece:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show, boneless and skinless chicken breasts are tender and cook quickly, making them ideal for a fast, weeknight meal.
• 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened: This is what gives the dish its creamy texture and rich flavor. Softened cream cheese mixes easily, creating a smooth, velvety topping for the chicken.
• 1 clove garlic, minced: Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the cream cheese mixture perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped: Chives add a mild, onion-like flavor that brightens up the creamy sauce and gives the dish a fresh, herbal note.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika adds a subtle smokiness and color to the dish, balancing the richness of the cream cheese.
• Salt and pepper to taste: These basic seasonings bring out the natural flavor of the chicken and cream cheese.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist while baking and adds an extra layer of savory flavor.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to grease the baking dish and keep the chicken from sticking.
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for topping): For those who love an extra cheesy touch, this is a great option to sprinkle over the chicken during the final minutes of baking.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the finished dish.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Step-by-Step

Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to begin preparing the dish. Don’t worry, this recipe is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for even the busiest weeknight. Here’s how to make this delicious Baked Cream Cheese Chicken from start to finish.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking. While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. This prevents the chicken from sticking to the dish while it bakes and gives it a slight flavor boost. Set the dish aside while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped fresh chives, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix the ingredients together until the cream cheese is smooth and all the flavors are well combined. The cream cheese should be soft enough to easily blend with the other ingredients, but if it’s too stiff, you can microwave it for a few seconds to soften it further.

3. Season the Chicken Breasts

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your prepared baking dish. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Seasoning the chicken before applying the cream cheese mixture ensures the flavor is evenly distributed. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences feel free to add extra spices if you like your chicken with a little extra kick.

4. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture Over the Chicken

Take the prepared cream cheese mixture and spread it evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Make sure the chicken is generously coated, as the creamy topping is the star of this dish. Don’t be shy—spread it out until the chicken is fully covered. This will form a velvety, cheesy crust as it bakes.

5. Add the Chicken Broth

Pour the chicken broth around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. The chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist during the baking process and infuses the dish with additional flavor. It will also create a delicious sauce at the bottom of the dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy chicken.

6. Bake the Chicken

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. The chicken should be cooked until its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through without becoming dry. As the chicken bakes, the cream cheese mixture will melt and form a smooth, creamy topping.

7. Add Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional)

If you’re a cheese lover (and who isn’t?), consider adding a layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the top of the chicken breasts in the final 5 minutes of baking. This gives the dish an extra cheesy, melty finish that’s absolutely irresistible. Let the cheese melt into the cream cheese mixture, creating an even more indulgent topping.

8. Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the dish from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Serve your creamy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.

Nutritional Information for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

One of the great things about this recipe is that it’s rich and satisfying, but still relatively healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

• Calories: 400 kcal per serving
• Total Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 40g

This dish provides a healthy dose of protein from the chicken, while the cream cheese adds richness without being overly heavy.

Tips for Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

To make sure your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Don’t overbake the chicken: Overbaking can lead to dry chicken. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and prevent overcooking.
• Use softened cream cheese: Soften the cream cheese before mixing to ensure smooth, easy blending.
• Customize with extra herbs: If you like, you can add additional herbs like thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning to the cream cheese mixture for a different flavor profile.
• Try different cheeses: If sharp cheddar isn’t your favorite, feel free to use mozzarella, parmesan, or even a blend of cheeses for a custom touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work well in this recipe as they’re naturally juicier than chicken breasts. If you use thighs, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as dark meat takes a little longer to cook.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and cream cheese mixture ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken broth and bake as instructed.

What can I serve with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Try it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. It also goes well with rice or steamed asparagus.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing. Keep it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag, and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.

Related Recipes to Try

If you love Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, you may also enjoy these similar recipes that offer that same creamy, cheesy goodness:

• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken Breast
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast
• Cheesy Bacon-Stuffed Chicken Breast

Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and indulgent recipe that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy topping and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish will leave everyone wanting more. So, grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready for a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!