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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 16 reviews

A creamy, flavorful baked chicken dish featuring boneless chicken breasts topped with a rich cream cheese sauce infused with garlic and fresh chives, finished with a golden cheddar cheese crust for an irresistibly comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika

Sauce

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make Cream Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly over 1-2 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Mix in the chopped fresh chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken. If desired, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust.
  5. Bake and Broil: Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheddar, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully browned and crispy cheese topping.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound if necessary.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture in the sauce.
  • The cheddar cheese topping is optional but adds a delightful crust.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days in an airtight container.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute cream cheese with a lighter cream cheese alternative.
  • Make sure to check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, cream cheese chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, cheesy baked chicken, low salt chicken recipe