Irresistibly Cheesy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Succulent chicken meets creamy cheese in this mouthwatering baked cream cheese chicken recipe that promises a delightful dinner experience.

The combination of tender meat and rich, velvety sauce creates a true culinary magic.

Weeknight meals never looked so tantalizing or comforting.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of savory flavors and smooth textures that dance across your palate.

Home cooks adore this simple yet impressive dish that comes together with minimal effort.

The recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your own kitchen.

Let’s find out this irresistible chicken dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 384 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein, best when boneless and skinless for easy preparation and clean eating.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and deepens flavor, enhancing the overall juiciness of the chicken.

• Cream Cheese: Provides rich, velvety texture and tangy undertone, creating a luxurious sauce when melted.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that introduces a sharp, bold flavor and creates a golden, crispy surface.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity undertone to the dish.
• Garlic: Brings robust, aromatic warmth that complements the chicken's mild flavor.
• Chives: Offers a mild onion-like freshness and bright green color for visual appeal.
• Paprika: Introduces a sweet, slightly smoky flavor and beautiful reddish color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a clean, herbal finish and vibrant green garnish.

Tools to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken at Home

• Oven: Essential for baking chicken to perfection at the right temperature.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Key for holding and cooking the chicken with sauce.
• Skillet: Crucial for searing chicken and preparing the creamy sauce.
• Cooking spray or olive oil: Needed to prevent sticking and add flavor.
• Measuring spoons: Important for accurately seasoning the chicken.
• Cutting board: Helpful for prepping ingredients like garlic and chives.
• Kitchen tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken during searing.
• Cheese grater: Optional for shredding cheese topping.
• Instant-read thermometer: Recommended to check chicken's internal temperature.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Handy for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.

Easy Steps to Bake Cream Cheese Chicken

• Oven Preparation

Get your oven ready at a toasty 375°F. Grab a large baking dish and give it a quick spray to prevent sticking.

• Chicken Searing

Brown chicken pieces in a hot skillet, creating a golden exterior that locks in delicious flavors. Each side should develop a beautiful color in just a few minutes.

• Sauce Creation

Transform the same skillet into a flavor hub by adding garlic and releasing its incredible aroma. Blend chicken broth with cream cheese, creating a silky smooth sauce. Sprinkle in some chives for a fresh kick.

• Assembly

Nestle the seared chicken into the prepared baking dish. Pour the dreamy cream cheese sauce over the top, ensuring every inch gets covered. Optional cheese sprinkle adds extra indulgence.

• Baking Magic

Send the dish into the hot oven and let everything meld together. Watch for the chicken to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. A quick broil can create a gorgeous golden finish.

• Final Touch

Shower the finished dish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately while the sauce is warm and inviting, creating a meal that feels like a comforting hug.

Tips for Juicy and Flavorful Cream Cheese Chicken

• Marinate chicken breasts in buttermilk or yogurt for 1-2 hours before cooking to guarantee extra tenderness and deeper flavor profiles.
• Replace chicken breasts with thighs or turkey breast for different taste experiences while maintaining similar cooking techniques.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or dill instead of chives to create unique flavor dimensions that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Skip traditional sides and serve this dish over roasted cauliflower or zucchini noodles for a lighter, more nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the cream cheese sauce for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat without overwhelming the delicate chicken flavor.

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Dinner Party Delight: Wow your guests by presenting this creamy chicken on a large platter garnished with fresh chives and parsley, creating an elegant centerpiece that looks professionally prepared.
• Healthy Companion Sides: Pair the chicken with roasted asparagus, quinoa pilaf, or a light mixed green salad to balance the richness of the cream cheese sauce and add nutritional variety to your meal.
• Quick Weeknight Meal Hack: Transform leftovers into a delicious chicken sandwich by shredding the baked chicken and spreading extra sauce between crusty bread slices for a next-day lunch option that feels like a brand new meal.
• Flavor Boost Option: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds over the finished dish to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that complements the creamy sauce and tender chicken perfectly.

Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken Leftovers

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly.
• Freezer Friendly Trick: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Quick Reheat Method: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture during reheating.
• Prep Ahead Technique: Chicken can be seasoned and seared a day before final baking. Store marinated chicken in the refrigerator, covered, until ready to complete the recipe. Simply pour cream cheese sauce and bake when meal time arrives.

Succulent Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy baked cream cheese chicken delivers comfort from Mediterranean kitchens with rich, tangy flavors. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a hearty meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, ensuring a non-stick surface for easy serving.
2. Seasoning and Searing: Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika, then sear in olive oil over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to create a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic briefly, then add chicken broth and reduce. Whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth, incorporating fresh chives and adjusting seasoning to create a luxurious, velvety sauce.
4. Assembly and Baking: Arrange seared chicken in the prepared baking dish, pour the creamy chive sauce overtop, and optionally sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese for added richness. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Finishing Touches: Activate broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping. Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes to redistribute juices, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

• Sear with Confidence: Creating a golden-brown crust on chicken before baking locks in moisture and develops rich, deep flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Sauce Smoothness Matters: Fully soften cream cheese at room temperature and whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, luxurious sauce consistency.
• Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, aiming precisely at 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
• Broiler Bonus Tip: Watch the final broiling stage closely – just 30-60 seconds can transform your dish from perfect to burned, so stay attentive during this critical moment.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 384
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg