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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 13 reviews

A simple, cozy, and creamy baked cream cheese chicken recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a delicious, comforting meal. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich cream cheese and cheese blend, lightly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and lemon juice, and baked to perfection with a golden bubbly top. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner served alongside veggies, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)
  • Cooking spray or a touch of oil for greasing the pan

Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives (+ extra for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Topping

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter (optional, for drizzling before baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure they bake properly and season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Place them spaced out in the baking dish.
  2. Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley or chives, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  3. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the creamy cheese mixture over each chicken breast, covering them generously but without worrying about perfection. Optionally, drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the top for extra richness.
  4. Bake the Chicken: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Around 25 minutes, check doneness and finish baking as needed.
  5. Broil for Golden Top: To achieve a golden, bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning as broilers can brown food quickly.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.

Notes

  • Always soften cream cheese before mixing; microwave in 15-20 second increments if necessary to avoid lumps.
  • If cream cheese mixture is too thick to spread, loosen with a tablespoon of milk, sour cream, or chicken broth.
  • A meat thermometer is highly recommended; aim for 165°F internal temperature to avoid under- or overcooking.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to maintain creamy texture; microwave may soften the topping.
  • If chicken breasts are very thick, pound them to about ¾ inch or butterfly to ensure even cooking.
  • Feel free to customize the cheese blend with cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
  • Marinating chicken briefly in lemon juice and olive oil before baking adds extra depth but is optional.
  • Serve with crusty bread to soak up the rich creamy sauce, as highly recommended by chefs.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cream cheese chicken, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, comfort food, cheesy baked chicken, simple chicken recipes

Find it online: https://cheflenacooks.com/baked-cream-cheese-chicken-recipe/