Cream Cheese Baked Chicken

Cream Cheese Baked Chicken 🧀🍗

This Cream Cheese Baked Chicken is a mouthwatering, comforting dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, creamy, garlicky cream cheese sauce and topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for a meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With minimal prep and hands-off baking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Let’s dive into how to make this creamy, cheesy baked chicken step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Tender & Juicy : The cream cheese mixture keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
2. Rich & Cheesy : A decadent blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and two types of cheese creates a luxurious topping.
3. Quick & Easy : Minimal prep and simple ingredients make this recipe approachable for any home cook.
4. One-Pan Wonder : Everything bakes in a single dish for easy cleanup.
5. Versatile : Serve with rice, pasta, roasted veggies, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 🍗
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese , softened 🧀
• ½ cup sour cream 🥄
• 4 cloves garlic , minced 🧄
• 1 teaspoon oregano 🌿
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂
• ½ teaspoon black pepper ⚫
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese , divided 🧀
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 🧀

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Dish

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil.
3. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese , sour cream , minced garlic , oregano , salt , pepper , and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese .
2. Stir until all ingredients are evenly combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Top Chicken

1. Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover the top of each piece.

Step 4: Add Cheese Topping

1. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the cream cheese-coated chicken breasts.

Step 5: Bake

1. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes , or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
   • Tip : If the cheese topping starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil.

Step 6: Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
2. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Use Room-Temperature Ingredients : Softened cream cheese and sour cream mix more easily and create a smoother sauce.
2. Add Spice : Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
3. Make Ahead : Assemble the dish ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
4. Switch Up the Herbs : Use Italian seasoning, basil, or thyme instead of oregano for a different flavor profile.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze unbaked chicken in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months . Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Perfect Pairings

This Cream Cheese Baked Chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Mashed Potatoes : Serve with creamy mashed potatoes for soaking up the cheesy sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables : Pair with roasted broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a healthy side.
• Pasta : Serve over cooked pasta or rice for a hearty meal.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, lemonade, or a cold soda for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~450 kcal
• Protein : ~40g
• Carbohydrates : ~8g
• Fat : ~28g
• Fiber : ~1g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Baked Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday meal, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on flavor and satisfaction. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, and melty cheese creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the seasonings, adjust the toppings, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your chicken breasts, soften that cream cheese, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.