Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich, cheesy topping and juicy chicken breasts, this meal offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, and make every dinner special!
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Cooking spray or extra oil for greasing the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and chopped parsley or chives.
- Mix Well: Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. The mixture will keep the chicken moist while baking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil or Butter: Drizzle the chicken with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help with browning and add a rich flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the chicken is done, cut into the thickest part of the breast to make sure there is no pink and the juices run clear.
- Broil for Extra Browning: For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or chives for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the baked cream cheese chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.