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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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