Simple & Juicy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Cream cheese converts ordinary baked chicken into a luxurious culinary experience that melts in your mouth.

Rich and velvety textures emerge when this classic protein meets a decadent dairy companion.

Weeknight meals suddenly feel extraordinary with minimal preparation required for maximum deliciousness.

Hearty proteins absorb tangy, silky seasonings that elevate home cooking beyond basic expectations.

Each bite promises a comforting blend of savory and smooth sensations that define ultimate satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate straightforward techniques that produce restaurant-quality results without complicated steps.

The combination unlocks hidden potential in standard chicken preparations.

Everything You’ll Need for Creamy Chicken Bliss

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the base of the dish, choose fresh or thawed breasts with even thickness for consistent cooking.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that bring out the natural taste of chicken.
• Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and mild spice to the chickens exterior.
• Fresh Chives: Provides a mild onion-like flavor and bright green garnish.
• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh herb for finishing and adding visual appeal.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich, creamy sauce with smooth, tangy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and additional savory depth to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds sharp, melty cheese flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that builds foundational flavor in the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and preventing sticking in the skillet.
• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent dish from sticking during baking.

How to Bake Cream Cheese Chicken the Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Sear Chicken

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Fresh chives
• Additional salt
• Additional pepper

Step 4: Assemble Chicken Dish

Place seared chicken in the prepared baking dish. Pour creamy sauce over chicken. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F. For a golden cheese topping, broil during the final 2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips That Make Cream Cheese Chicken Even Creamier

• Sear for Success: Develop a golden crust on chicken breasts before baking to lock in moisture and create a rich, caramelized exterior.
• Cream Cheese Smoothness: Ensure cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for a silky, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches exactly 165°F (74°C) for safe, juicy results every time.
• Flavor Layering: Toast garlic briefly in the skillet to release its aromatic oils, intensifying the overall depth of the dish's flavor profile.
• Cheese Topping Trick: Add shredded cheese during the last few minutes of baking, or quickly broil to create a golden, slightly crispy cheese crust that adds texture and visual appeal.

Keep Leftovers of This Chicken Dream Fresh & Juicy

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate cooked chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Properly stored baked cream cheese chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate the chicken from any side dishes to maintain its best quality and prevent soggy textures.
• Freeze Method
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen cream cheese chicken can last up to 2 months without losing its delicious flavor. Label containers with the date to track storage time accurately.
• Reheat Technique
• Thaw refrigerated chicken in the microwave using 50% power, heating in 30-second intervals to prevent drying out.

Sides That Compliment Cream Cheese Chicken Beautifully

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the creamy richness of the chicken, balancing its deep flavors with bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Garlic-seasoned asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini provide a fresh, colorful contrast to the rich cream cheese sauce, adding nutritional depth.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Light, fluffy quinoa with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley creates a perfect textural companion, soaking up the delicious sauce while offering a protein-packed side dish.
• Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: A cool, refreshing salad with dill and light vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate between bites of the creamy, savory chicken, creating a balanced meal experience.

Want to Switch It Up? Try These Chicken Variations

• Zesty Herb Infusion: Replace chives with a blend of fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired version. Swap paprika with Italian seasoning to complement the herb profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced green chilies and a dash of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese sauce. Top with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra heat boost.
• Mushroom Cream Upgrade: Sauté sliced cremini or shiitake mushrooms with the garlic before adding chicken broth. This adds an earthy depth and provides additional texture to the creamy sauce.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Replace chicken broth with heavy cream and use full-fat cream cheese. Skip the cheddar cheese topping and instead sprinkle crispy bacon bits for added richness and protein.

What Makes Baked Cream Cheese Chicken So Addictive

• Savor Quick Comfort: This chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners with minimal preparation and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Creamy Protein Powerhouse: Each serving packs a substantial 37g of protein, making it an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and those seeking nutritious, filling meals that support muscle development and recovery.
• Versatile Culinary Canvas: The recipe allows effortless customization by adding different herbs, cheese variations, or side dishes, transforming a simple chicken breast into an exciting, adaptable main course that never feels monotonous.
• Luxurious Texture Triumph: Combining seared chicken with a velvety cream cheese sauce creates a mouthwatering experience – golden-crusted exterior meets silky, rich interior, delivering a sophisticated dining sensation that feels indulgent yet straightforward to prepare.

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Baked cream cheese chicken delivers a creamy, indulgent main dish straight from comfort cuisine. Italian-inspired seasonings and rich cheese sauce combine to create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• Optional: ½ cup (50 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, creating a delectable exterior texture.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while keeping the pan’s flavorful remnants intact for the sauce preparation.
5. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen, releasing a tantalizing fragrance.
6. Pour chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
7. Incorporate softened cream cheese into the broth, stirring continuously until a smooth, velvety sauce develops without any lumps.
8. Enhance the sauce with finely chopped fresh chives, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
9. Carefully arrange the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
10. Generously pour the creamy chive sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor penetration.
11. Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), guaranteeing safe and juicy meat.
13. For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, activate the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
14. Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
15. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
16. Serve immediately while warm, accompanied by your preferred side dishes to complete the meal.

Notes

• Elevate your dinner game with this creamy, restaurant-quality chicken dish that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.
• Searing chicken beforehand locks in juices and creates a golden exterior that adds depth and flavor to the final baked result.
• Cream cheese sauce adds luxurious richness, turning basic chicken breasts into a decadent meal that feels like a special treat.
• Versatile recipe allows for easy customization with different herbs, cheeses, or additional spices to match your taste preferences.
• Quick prep and minimal cleanup make this an ideal weeknight dinner solution for busy home cooks seeking delicious, satisfying meals.
• Perfectly paired with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad to complete your balanced and delightful dining experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 438 kcal
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 578mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 110mg