Your New Favorite Chicken Dish Awaits

Ever dreamt of a creamy, dreamy chicken dish that wraps you in comfort like a warm hug? Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is just what you need! This recipe features tender chicken breasts baked in a glorious cream cheese sauce that’s so easy to whip up, it practically cooks itself. Say goodbye to long, complicated recipes — this one is a quick, one-pan wonder that’s ready to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

You’ll love this chicken dish for a few reasons. First off, cleanup is a breeze — all you need is one skillet and a baking dish. Secondly, it’s so family-friendly that even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds. I mean, who can resist the rich creaminess of melted cheese? Plus, this recipe uses affordable ingredients, making it a budget-friendly choice for weeknight dinners. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you, and your wallet will, too!

Ingredients:

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

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:

Follow these simple steps for a deliciously creamy chicken dish:

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 the 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 Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken (Overview)

Let’s break it down! You’ll start by giving your chicken a good sear in the skillet. This not only locks in flavor but also adds that gorgeous golden color. While the chicken is resting, whip up the cream cheese sauce right in the same skillet. Yes, less fuss, more flavor! Then, just pour that creamy goodness over your chicken, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference in flavor!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

When it comes to serving, think colorful sides! Pair this creamy chicken with steamed broccoli or a tangy side salad to balance out the richness. The chicken looks gorgeous drizzled with that cream sauce, and the aroma will have everyone flocking to the table. You can even serve it over rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce. Talk about a feast!

How to Store Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This chicken will stay good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. When reheating, a quick trip in the microwave or a gentle warm-up in the oven will do the trick.

Tips to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here are some insider tricks to elevate your dish:

Skip the sear? Don’t! That golden crust adds fantastic flavor.
Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter spin.
Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture!
Use different cheeses based on your mood — mozzarella or pepper jack work too!
Plan ahead and marinate the chicken overnight for extra flavor.

Variation

Looking to mix things up? Try adding some spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese sauce for an unexpected twist. If you want a vegan option, swap the chicken for tofu and the cream cheese for a plant-based alternative — it’ll still be creamy and delicious!

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything and just bake it when you’re ready.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt can work in a pinch.

How do I know when the chicken is done?
Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for eating.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!