Description
Cream cheese chicken bake delivers cozy, homemade comfort that turns an ordinary dinner into something special. Tender chicken wrapped in a creamy sauce makes this dish feel warm and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning with salt and pepper in a small bowl for seasoning.
- Pat 4 chicken breasts dry and coat them thoroughly with the prepared spice blend on both sides.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until shimmering.
- Sear chicken breasts for 3 minutes per side, creating a golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
- Remove chicken from skillet and place in the prepared baking dish.
- In the same skillet, whisk 8 ounces softened cream cheese with 1 cup chicken broth until completely smooth.
- Stir ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese into the cream mixture until well incorporated.
- Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is generously covered.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese to cut calories without losing flavor.
- Ensure chicken is evenly seared to lock in moisture and create a beautiful golden exterior that adds depth to the final dish.
- Fresh herbs make a significant difference, so choose flat-leaf parsley and chop just before sprinkling for maximum aromatic impact.
- If cooking for someone with dairy restrictions, substitute cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or coconut-based cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-36 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg