Description
Creamy baked cream cheese chicken brings comfort straight from home kitchens to dinner tables with irresistible flavor. Cheesy, tender chicken promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (56 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Seasonings and Herbs:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), establishing the optimal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Prepare a baking dish by coating it with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent adherence and ensure easy serving.
- Create a smooth, aromatic cream cheese blend by whisking together softened cream cheese, garlic, chives, paprika, salt, and pepper until fully incorporated.
- Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish, positioning them with adequate spacing for even cooking.
- Generously spread the seasoned cream cheese mixture across each chicken breast, ensuring complete coverage.
- Enhance moisture and flavor by carefully pouring chicken broth around the chicken pieces.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top to promote a delicate, crispy exterior during baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75C) with clear, running juices.
- Optional: During the final 5 minutes, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the chicken to create a golden, melted topping.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, enabling juice redistribution for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to add a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Plate and serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes while warm.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing without lumps.
- Gently pat chicken breasts dry before adding cream cheese mixture to help seasoning adhere better.
- For a lighter version, swap full-fat cream cheese with low-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese alternative.
- Create herb variations by experimenting with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill instead of chives for unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg