Cream Cheese Chicken Bake Recipe

Introduction

Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are seared and baked in a rich cream cheese and Parmesan sauce that’s full of flavor. This recipe is simple to prepare yet feels indulgent and special.

A close-up of three cooked chicken breasts in a white bowl, each piece having a golden brown, slightly crispy top layer with a creamy white sauce covering the sides. The sauce is smooth and light yellowish in color, pooling around the base of the chicken, with small green herb pieces sprinkled on top and in the sauce. The chicken pieces are arranged closely together, filling most of the bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
  6. Step 6: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the top.
  7. Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  8. Step 8: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

  • Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese to lighten the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Use smoked paprika or cayenne pepper if you want a subtle smoky or spicy twist.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven to keep the sauce creamy and the chicken moist. Avoid overcooking when reheating.

How to Serve

Three pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken breast with a slightly crispy texture on top sit in a shallow pool of creamy, pale yellow sauce. The sauce is smooth and glossy, spreading evenly around the chicken. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on the chicken and the sauce, adding a fresh pop of color. The dish is presented in a white bowl, and the background surface is white with a marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can swap Parmesan for mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sauce texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese used.

How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, cut into the chicken to ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.

Print
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Cream Cheese Chicken Bake Recipe


  • Author: Sarah
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy and comforting Cream Cheese Chicken Bake features tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich, savory cream cheese and Parmesan sauce, infused with herbs and spices. Seared to a golden perfection and baked until juicy and fully cooked, it’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a hearty dinner that pleases the whole family.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish to prevent the chicken from sticking.
  2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor into the meat.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds deep flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  4. Create the sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together the chicken broth and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and taste to adjust seasoning if needed. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  5. Bake the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over them. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) ensuring it is fully cooked through.
  6. Garnish and serve: Remove the dish from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, flavorful chicken bake.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing and a smoother sauce.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F internal temperature.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the chicken broth slightly before adding cream cheese, or add a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry.
  • Optional: add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Baked Chicken, Creamy Chicken Bake, Parmesan Chicken, Easy Dinner Recipe, Comfort Food Chicken

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