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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

What is a game changer recipe? How do I make baked Cream Cheese Chicken? Think of it as the cozy, comforting cousin of chicken parmesan, but without all the fuss of breading. Is this recipe ridiculously easy to make and it’s unbelievably creamy? What is the aroma of a tomato?

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a baked cream cheese chicken recipe?

What is a magical dish? What is essentially chicken breasts baked in a luscious, savory cream cheese sauce? The cream cheese melts down to create this incredibly rich and decadent sauce that clings to every bite. What is the nook and cranny of chicken? Is it overly cheesy? Is it a creamy, tangy blanket that elevates the chicken to another level? Think of it as a creamy Chicken Casserole, only way easier to throw together on weeknights. What are some comforting pillows that are perfect for those nights when you don’t want to spend hours in bed?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Where do I start? What is your favorite Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe?

  • Flavor Explosion:What is the best combination of savory chicken and cream cheese? Is it rich, comforting, and addictive?
  • Ridiculously EasyIs this a dump-and-bake situation? What are some good things to do on a busy
  • Budget FriendlyChicken breasts and cream cheese are staples that most of us usually have on hand, making this a staple. Cost-effective meal.
  • Versatile:Can you serve this over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even with roasted vegetables? What are the possibilities?

What I love most about this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is how it transforms humble chicken into a delicious dish. What are the ingredients in something truly special? Is it simple enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests? What is more delicious than a baked chicken? This one is a keeper!

How do you make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?

Quick Overview

Making this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a breeze. You basically layer your chicken breasts in a baking dish, smother them in a creamy, savory sauce, and bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – no fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required! It’s a great way to get a tasty and satisfying meal on the table without a lot of fuss.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each). I prefer using organic, free-range Chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil. This helps to sear the chicken and gives it a nice color.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Adds a touch of savory goodness.
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Complements the garlic powder and adds depth of flavor.
  • Salt and pepper to taste. Don’t skimp on the seasoning!

What is Creamy Sauce?

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened. Make sure it’s fully soften for a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth. Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. I like to use low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level.
  • What is the best way to serve Parmesan cheese?
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. Adds a pop of color.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced. Fresh garlic is always best!
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) for a touch of heat.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What is the best step

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. How do you remove chicken from the skin? I usually use cooking spray, but you can also use olive oil or butter.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Season the Chicken Breasts with salt, pepper, and pepper. How do you cook chicken? This step is optional, but it adds a nice flavor and color to the chicken. If you’re short on time, you can skip it and just place the raw chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Step 3: Place Chicken in Baking Dish

Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer. Make sure they’re not overlapping, so they cook evenly.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese and minced parsley. Set aside. What are some good ways to use garlic and Red Pepper flakes? Mix well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. I like to use a hand mixer to make sure there are no lumps.

Step 5: Pour Sauce Over Chicken

How do you spread Cream Cheese sauce over chicken breasts? What makes this dish so delicious?

Step 6: Bake

I baked the chicken for 30 minutes in the preheated oven. The sauce is still hot and the meat is cooked through. Is bubbly and lightly golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If the sauce starts to brown too quickly, you can tent the baking dish with foil.

Step 7: Rest

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. How do you keep chicken moist?

Step 8: Serve

Serve the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe hot, over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side. What is your favorite roasted vegetable? If desired, garnish with Parmesan cheese or parsley.

What is the best way to serve it?

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile, which means you have tons of options. When it comes to serving it! What are some of my favorite ways to enjoy life: reading books, watching movies, and observing people.

  • Over Rice:White rice or brown rice is the perfect base for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
  • With Pasta:Toss it with your favorite pasta shape, like fettuccine, linguine or penne.
  • Mashed PotatoesCreamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with chicken. It’s also good for supper.
  • Roasted Veget Serve it with a side of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and delicious meal.

My family loves it served with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for soaking up the extra sauce. It’s also great with a glass of crisp white wine!

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Want to take your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe to the next level? Here are a few of my top tips:

  • Use Softened Cream Cheese: This is crucial for a smooth and creamy sauce. If your cream cheese is still cold, it will be difficult to mix and may leave lumps in the sauce.
  • Don’t Overbake the Chicken: Overbaked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s done.
  • Add Some Veggies: Feel free to add some chopped vegetables to the baking dish along with the chicken. Broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions.
  • Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken before baking.
  • Use Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses in the sauce. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or cheddar cheese would all be great alternatives to Parmesan cheese.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe (which is rare in my house!), here’s How to store and reheat it:

  • Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. I usually thaw them overnight in the refrigerator. Pat them dry with paper towels before searing or placing them in the baking dish.
Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative to chicken breasts. They’re more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during baking. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly, depending on the size of the thighs.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to add nutrients and flavor to this dish. Some good options include broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach. Just toss them in with the chicken before baking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or milk. Just add a tablespoon or two at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.

Final Thoughts

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

So, there you have it – my go-to Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe! It’s a simple, satisfying, and seriously delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to serve to guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The best part? It’s so easy to customize to your own tastes and preferences. If you’re a fan, you’ll also love my creamy mushroom chicken! Now, go ahead and give it a try, and let me know how it turns out! Happy baking!

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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

How to Master the 7-Step Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and easy dinner that's ready in under an hour. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep : 10 Total : 25 minutes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 oz Cream cheese softened
  • 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.25 cup Ranch dressing
  • 0.5 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 tsp Garlic powder
  • 0.25 tsp Paprika

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish.
  • Place chicken breasts in the baking dish.
  • In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, and paprika. Spread the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
  • Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the cream cheese mixture.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Let stand for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.

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