This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is rich and creamy, making it the ideal quick dinner that’s all about satisfaction. The chicken breasts are baked in a rich cream cheese and garlic filling and topped with melted cheddar cheese (optional) for a flavor boost. Minimal ingredients and easy prep make it a good candidate for busy weeknights or when you want comfort food.

Serving and Storage Tips:

To Serve: Serve this creamy chicken dish with rice, mashed potatoes or steamed veggies. It’s also great alongside a simple green salad.
STORAGE: Refrigerate leftovers, covered in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. For the next time: Reheat gently for just a moment in the microwave or oven.

Helpful Notes:

Customize It: For some added zing, try mixing in cooked bacon crumbles, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes with the cream cheese.
Cheese Topping: The shredded cheddar isn’t required, but it does give you a nice, melty topping. You may also use mozzarella or another cheese if you prefer.
Chicken Thickness: If the chicken breasts are super thick, pound them out to an even thickness so they cook evenly.

Tips from Well-Known Chefs:

“With chicken, when you’re going to bake it, a good rule of thumb is to always sear the meat first. It traps moisture and boosts flavor.”

Chef Ina Garten: “Softened cream cheese melts smoothly and blends better with the other ingredients. If it’s not soft enough, please microwave for 15-20 seconds or so!”

Ingredients:

4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Chicken breasts are lean, so they make a good canvas for all that rich, creamy sauce to soak up. Alternatively, you could use chicken thighs for a juicier choice.
1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil is also used to sear the chicken, giving it a gorgeous golden crust on the outside.
1 clove garlic, minced
Garlic round off the sauce and brings out the taste of the entire dish. Go ahead and add another clove if you love garlic!
1/2 cup chicken broth
The chicken broth deglazes the pan and forms the base for the creamy sauce. It also brightens the richness of the cream cheese.
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese, soft
The sauce is centered around cream cheese; it provides a silky, creamy consistency and a pleasant tang to play off the garlic and spices.
1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
Chives lend a mild onion taste and a burst of freshness to balance the fatty sauce.
1 teaspoon paprika
Paprika gives the dish a soft smokiness and warmth. Smoked paprika will provide deeper flavor, but you can use regular paprika for a milder effect.
Salt and pepper, to taste
Season them with salt and pepper and the sauce to taste. Don’t hold back on the seasoning, because it brings out all the flavors in the dish.
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
If you’re fond of a little extra-cheesy accent, sprinkle some cheddar over the chicken before serving, or melt it under the broiler for a crispy, cheesy shell.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
A dusting of parsley lends a splash of color and fresh flavor to the final dish. It’s an optional step, but it makes the meal feel extra special.

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray or coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken: And that chicken? Salt and pepper it and sprinkle paprika both sides.
Sear the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add chicken breasts and to sear, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture

To the same skillet, add the minced garlic, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and let cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, reducing slightly.
Stir in the cream cheese that has been softened until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Stir in the chopped fresh chives, and season with additional salt and pepper as you see fit.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
Spread the cream cheese mixture over top and top all of the chicken.
Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese if you want an even cheesier topping!

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

Heat in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, depending on how well you cooked your chicken (The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
If using cheese, broil 2-3 minutes before serving to brown the cheddar topping.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

After baking, take the chicken out of the oven and add some fresh chopped parsley (optional) for a touch of color.
Serve the chicken warm, with your favorite side dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: Is it possible to exchange chicken thighs for breasts?

A1: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. Just tweak the cooking time a little bit, since thighs may cook more quickly than breasts.

Q2: Can I make this dish in advance?

A2: Absolutely! You can put the dish together a day in advance, cover and refrigerate. When it’s time to bake, throw it in the oven.

Q3: Am I able to use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

A3: Absolutely — mozzarella, Swiss, really even gouda would be great on top. Simply have fun with your favorite cheese.

Q4: Is it possible to use something other than cream cheese?

A4: If you are looking for something lighter you could use Neufchâtel cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangier taste although the texture would be slightly different.

Q5: Can I put the vegetables in the dish?

A5: Definitely! For a one-pan meal, you can add spinach, broccoli or zucchini to the baking dish.

Q6: Is the chicken thoroughly cooked?

A6: You can use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures the chicken is well-cooked but not overcooked.”

Q7: Can I freeze this dish?

A7: Although it is best fresh, you can freeze this after baking. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q8: Can I use dried herbs instead of the fresh chives?

A8: Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried chives or other herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, for flavor.

Q9: Can I top it with something crunchy?

A9: Sure! You can sprinkle some Ritz crackers or buttery Panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for added texture.

Q10: What can I serve this with?

A10: This creamy chicken goes well with roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad. Garlic bread is excellent for soaking up that tasty sauce, too.

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy and tasty comfort food dish that will not disappoint your family! Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it ideal for busy weeknights or casual groups. Enjoy!