Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, creamy, and irresistibly delicious dish that transforms simple chicken breasts into a comforting, indulgent meal. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luscious topping that keeps the chicken moist while adding incredible depth of flavor. Infused with garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs, this dish is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a touch of freshness.
The best part? It’s easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. With minimal prep and only 30 minutes in the oven, you’ll have a decadent, restaurant-quality meal ready to serve. This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, pasta, rice, or a simple side salad, making it a versatile option for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Ultra-Creamy and Cheesy: A decadent topping of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
• Easy and Quick: Simple steps with minimal prep and only 30 minutes of baking.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• Cooking spray or extra oil for greasing the baking dish
Cream Cheese Mixture:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
3. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
5. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and chopped parsley or chives.
2. Mix well using a spoon or hand mixer until the ingredients are smooth and well blended.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
1. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
2. Drizzle the top with olive oil or melted butter to help with browning and enhance the flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
2. To check for doneness, cut into the thickest part of a chicken breast—there should be no pink inside, and the juices should run clear.
3. For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking (watch closely to avoid burning).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
1. Remove the baked chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle.
2. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and freshness.
3. Serve warm with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Tips
• For Extra Flavor: Add ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
• For a Crispier Topping: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan over the cheese topping before baking.
• To Make Ahead: Assemble the dish up to a day in advance, store in the fridge, and bake when ready.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the assembled (but unbaked) dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes or microwave in short bursts until heated through.
