why make this recipe
This baked cream cheese chicken is simple and tasty. It uses few ingredients and cooks fast. The sauce is creamy and rich. It makes a nice weeknight meal that most people like.
introduction
This recipe uses chicken breasts, cream cheese, broth, and a few seasonings. You sear the chicken, make a creamy sauce, then bake until done. For another quick version, see Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe.
how to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Season and sear the chicken briefly to get color and lock in juices.
- Make the sauce in the same pan so it picks up flavor.
- Put chicken in a baking dish, pour the cream cheese sauce over it.
- Bake until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Add the cheddar and broil a few minutes if you want a browned top.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. Add fresh chives and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
how to serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Serve warm on a plate with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken. Add a green salad or roasted veggies for a full meal.
how to store Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help it brown.
- Don’t skip searing — it adds flavor.
- Soften cream cheese to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (74°C).
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth.
variation (if any)
- Add sliced mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of some cream cheese for a lighter sauce.
- Swap chives for fresh basil or parsley.
- Use mozzarella instead of cheddar for a milder topping.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, but increase baking time and check that the internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Not easily. You can try dairy-free cream cheese, but texture and taste will change.
Q: Is it okay to use low-fat cream cheese?
A: Yes. The sauce may be a bit thinner, but it will still work.
Q: Can I prepare ahead?
A: You can make the sauce and sear chicken ahead, then bake when ready. Keep chilled until baking.
Conclusion
For another simple version and extra tips, see Baked Cream Cheese Chicken – Taste Of Recipe.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth, then add fresh chives and season with additional salt and pepper.
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them.
- Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.