Creamy Chicken Bake with Cream Cheese
This creamy chicken bake transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Chicken baked in a luscious cream cheese sauce creates an incredibly easy and satisfying family dinner that has become a weeknight staple for good reason.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Resting Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 385 kcal
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts approximately 2 lbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth low-sodium preferred
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional for heat
Cheese Topping
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Take cream cheese out of the refrigerator to soften if you haven't already done so.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chicken broth, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they're well-coated. Make sure the chicken pieces aren't overlapping for even cooking.
Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Optional: For an extra golden top, broil for the final 2-3 minutes while watching carefully.
Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
For a lighter version, you can use light cream cheese or substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt.
This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
For additional flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish before baking.
Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 42gFat: 22gSodium: 410mgSugar: 1gCalcium: 15mgIron: 6mg
Keyword Chicken, Cream Cheese, Baked Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Easy Dinner