Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Introduction

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious cream cheese sauce. The chicken is seasoned to perfection, then baked to create a juicy and flavorful meal. The cream cheese adds an indulgent, velvety texture, while the blend of seasonings elevates the dish to comfort food status.

I first made this dish when I was looking for something easy yet comforting for dinner, and it turned out to be a huge hit. The cream cheese sauce is incredibly smooth, and it pairs beautifully with the chicken, creating a satisfying combination of flavors. What’s great about this recipe is its versatility—it goes wonderfully with vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or making something special for a gathering, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a simple, no-fuss recipe that delivers on both flavor and comfort.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Family meals
• Special occasions
• Comfort food lovers
• Chicken recipe enthusiasts

Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here’s why Baked Cream Cheese Chicken will become your new go-to dinner:

• Creamy and Rich: The cream cheese sauce makes this chicken dish super creamy and indulgent, offering a comfort-filled experience with every bite.
• Tender Chicken: Baking the chicken with the cream cheese mixture ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is easy enough for a busy weeknight yet special enough for a dinner party.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite herbs or vegetables to the sauce, making this recipe versatile to suit your taste.
• One-Pan Meal: With minimal cleanup, this dish can be prepared in a single baking dish, making it convenient and easy to serve.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 6g, Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Cream Cheese: The cream cheese creates a velvety, rich sauce that coats the chicken and enhances the flavor.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey texture to the sauce, giving it a deliciously cheesy finish.
• Garlic and Onion Powder: These simple seasonings bring out the savory flavors and enhance the richness of the sauce.
• Herbs: Oregano and thyme add an aromatic depth to the dish, complementing the creamy sauce and chicken.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

Prepare the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
3. Sear the Chicken (optional): In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped for a quicker preparation.
4. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme until smooth and well combined.

Bake the Chicken:

5. Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Place the chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece of chicken, making sure each is generously coated.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cream cheese sauce is bubbling and golden.
7. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides:

• With Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a well-rounded meal.
• With Rice or Potatoes: Pair the chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or rice for a more filling dish.
• On a Salad: Slice the chicken and serve it over a green salad with a light vinaigrette for a fresh, lighter option.
• With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a satisfying meal, perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Additional Tips for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken turns out perfect:

• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For the creamiest and most indulgent sauce, use full-fat cream cheese.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking, which can lead to dry meat. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add or substitute different herbs and spices like rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning for a personalized flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare this dish a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.
• Add Veggies to the Sauce: To make it a more complete meal, you can add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the cream cheese mixture before baking.

Recipe Variations for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here are 5 variations you can try for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken with Spinach: Add a layer of fresh spinach to the cream cheese mixture for a burst of color and flavor.
• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken with Bacon: Top the cream cheese-coated chicken with crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory twist.
• Cheesy Herb Baked Chicken: Add a blend of your favorite shredded cheeses, like Parmesan, cheddar, or provolone, to the cream cheese mixture for a cheesy variation.
• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms: Stir in sautéed mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture for an earthy, umami-rich flavor.
• Spicy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.

Freezing and Storage for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the dish and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Special Equipment for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing this recipe easier:

• Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
• Meat Thermometer: To check the internal temperature of the chicken and ensure it is fully cooked.
• Skillet: Use a skillet for searing the chicken if you prefer that step.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the cream cheese mixture.
• Cooking Spray: For greasing the baking dish to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe! Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook than breasts.
2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy shredded cheese to make it dairy-free.
3. Can I add vegetables to the cream cheese mixture?
   Yes! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.
4. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.
5. Can I freeze Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the dish before or after baking for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

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Conclusion

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that combines simplicity with rich flavor. The creamy sauce, made with cream cheese and mozzarella, wraps the chicken in a tender, mouthwatering layer that everyone will enjoy. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile—you can add in your favorite herbs or veggies to make it your own!

Perfect for busy weeknights or a more leisurely dinner, it’s a meal that promises to satisfy without all the fuss. Whether served with a side of veggies, pasta, or mashed potatoes, this dish will quickly become a go-to family favorite.

I’d love to see how your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken turns out! Don’t forget to snap a pic, share it on social media, and tag me—can’t wait to see your creation! Happy cooking!