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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor infusion.
- 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.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside while keeping the pan’s flavorful remnants intact for the sauce preparation.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for approximately 30 seconds until its aromatic essence permeates the kitchen, releasing a tantalizing fragrance.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet and simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Incorporate softened cream cheese into the broth, stirring continuously until a smooth, velvety sauce develops without any lumps.
- Enhance the sauce with finely chopped fresh chives, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Carefully arrange the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced.
- Generously pour the creamy chive sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated for maximum flavor penetration.
- Optional: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and visual appeal.
- 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.
- For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, activate the broiler for the final 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and added freshness.
- 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