Description
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken delivers comfort straight from your kitchen, turning simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying dinner that makes weeknight meals feel special. Tender chicken breasts nestled in a rich, tangy sauce guarantee smiles around your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Creamy Components:
- 1 (8 oz.) package of cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Combine 8 oz softened cream cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, 1 teaspoon paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Position 4 chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish without overlapping.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly across each chicken breast, covering the entire surface completely.
- Pour ½ cup chicken broth around the chicken to help maintain moisture during baking.
- Drizzle an additional teaspoon of olive oil over the top of each chicken breast.
- Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Optional: Sprinkle ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the chicken during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute internal juices.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Check chicken thickness to ensure even cooking, as thicker pieces might require slightly longer baking time.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions and keep the dish creamy.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, preventing undercooking.
- Fresh herbs can transform this recipe, so experiment with thyme, rosemary, or dill for different flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Baked
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 343 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 357 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg