If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s easy to make, baked cream cheese chicken is the perfect choice. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and cheesy sauce, making it a favorite for family dinners or special occasions.
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is simple to follow and delivers mouthwatering results. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the perfect baked cream cheese chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
This dish isn’t just another chicken recipe—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Easy to Make – Requires minimal prep and uses simple ingredients.
- Rich and Creamy – The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates a luscious texture.
- Versatile – Pairs well with vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Family-Friendly – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Now, let’s get started with the ingredients you’ll need.
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Here’s everything you need to prepare this deliciously creamy chicken dish.
Main Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity (1x) | Quantity (2x) | Quantity (3x) |
---|---|---|---|
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 | 8 | 12 |
Olive oil | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp |
Garlic, minced | 1 clove | 2 cloves | 3 cloves |
Chicken broth | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
Cream cheese, softened | 8 oz | 16 oz | 24 oz |
Fresh chives, chopped | 1 tbsp | 2 tbsp | 3 tbsp |
Paprika | 1 tsp | 2 tsp | 3 tsp |
Salt and pepper | To taste | To taste | To taste |
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional) | ½ cup | 1 cup | 1½ cups |
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) | As needed | As needed | As needed |
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Rub each piece with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
- In a small pan over medium heat, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring well to deglaze the pan.
4. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, fresh chives, and the sautéed garlic mixture.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble the Dish
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece of chicken.
- If using cheddar cheese, sprinkle it on top for an extra cheesy crust.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Garnish and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Best Sides to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some great options:
- Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy texture complements the rich sauce.
- Steamed Rice – A simple, neutral base that soaks up the flavors.
- Pasta – Serve over buttered noodles or a light Alfredo pasta.
- Crusty Bread – Perfect for scooping up the cheesy sauce!
Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
1. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
Cold cream cheese won’t mix smoothly. Let it sit out for 20–30 minutes before using.
2. Don’t Overbake
Overcooked chicken becomes dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches exactly 165°F (75°C).
3. Customize the Flavors
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Mix in spinach or mushrooms for extra texture.
- Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or Parmesan.
4. Make It Low-Carb
This recipe is already keto-friendly, but you can serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for an even lower-carb option.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftovers, here’s how to keep them fresh:
Storage
- Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven – Warm at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until hot.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | ~380 kcal |
Protein | 35g |
Fat | 24g |
Carbohydrates | 4g |
Fiber | 0.5g |
Sugar | 2g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Yes! Just increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.
3. What can I substitute for cream cheese?
Greek yogurt, ricotta cheese, or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative work well.
4. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) is the safe internal temperature for chicken.
5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
6. What if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up before serving.
Final Thoughts: Try This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Tonight!
This baked cream cheese chicken is the perfect meal for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or even meal prep. With its creamy texture, bold flavors, and easy preparation, you’ll want to make it again and again.
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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This baked cream cheese chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Tender chicken breasts are coated with a smooth cream cheese mixture, topped with cheddar, and baked to perfection. Serve it with your favorite sides for a comforting and delicious meal the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken breasts, rub them with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sauté garlic: In a small pan over medium heat, cook minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and stir well.
- Make the cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, fresh chives, and the sautéed garlic mixture until smooth.
- Assemble the dish: Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish, spread the cream cheese mixture over them, and sprinkle with cheddar cheese (if using).
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for the best results.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American