why make this recipe
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. It is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. This recipe is quick to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a favorite for many home cooks. The creamy texture of the cream cheese along with the savory garlic and chives transforms a simple chicken dinner into a restaurant-quality meal. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of side dishes!
how to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. Add fresh chives and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
how to serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken goes wonderfully with a variety of sides. You can serve it with mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. This dish is rich and creamy, so a light side can balance the meal well.
how to store Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
You can store any leftovers of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also freeze leftovers for up to a month. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing; this helps it blend smoothly with the sauce.
- You can add other herbs or spices according to your taste, like thyme or Italian seasoning.
- If you like a little heat, try adding some red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
variation
For a twist, you can add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor and nutrition. You could also substitute the chicken with turkey or even use the mixture as a filling for stuffed peppers.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you’ll need to thaw them thoroughly before cooking for even results.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for a day. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if cooking it straight from the fridge.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can replace the chicken with portobello mushrooms or thick slices of zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time as vegetables may take less time to bake.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add fresh chives and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.