Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

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If you’ve been searching for the ultimate creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner, Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is about to become your go-to comfort meal. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, tangy cream cheese topping that bubbles up golden and irresistible after just a quick stay in the oven. It’s a recipe that tastes like pure indulgence but comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Once you try it, this dish will surely be requested on repeat!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the beauties of Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is how each straightforward ingredient plays its part – the creamy cheeses make the topping luscious, while the blend of seasonings and a simple finish of green onions offer layers of flavor and fresh color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need, plus why each piece is absolutely essential.

Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless, skinless for fast prep and juicy results!
Cream Cheese (softened): Brings the signature creaminess that makes this dish so dreamy.
Sour Cream: Balances with a tangy zip and helps smooth out the cheese mixture.
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Gets perfectly melty and adds that irresistible cheese pull.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Lends a nutty, salty punch and helps brown the topping.
Garlic (minced): Aromatic and bold – fresh minced is best for the most flavor.
Onion Powder: Melds seamlessly into the mixture and brings subtle sweetness.
Dried Basil: Adds a pop of herby brightness that lifts every bite.
Salt: A pinch brings all those flavors into sharp focus.
Black Pepper: Just enough for gentle warmth – grind it fresh if you can.
Olive Oil: Helps your cheesy topping bubble and brown perfectly in the oven.
Green Onions (optional, chopped): For garnishing with a fresh, colorful crunch at the end.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F – a reliable temperature that will keep your chicken moist while melting the cheeses beautifully. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a quick spray or a drizzle of olive oil to make sure nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Cheese Topping

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy and spreadable. Don’t be afraid to really blend it well – the smoother it gets, the more evenly it will cover your chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Pat each chicken breast dry using paper towels; this step matters more than you’d think, since it helps the creamy topping to cling nicely. Lay the chicken breasts out in your prepared baking dish in a single layer, leaving a bit of breathing room between each piece.

Step 4: Smother Chicken with the Cream Cheese Mixture

With a spoon or spatula, generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over each piece of chicken. Don’t skimp! You want every bite to have some of that luscious topping. Finish by drizzling the olive oil evenly over everything – it’ll help the cheese brown up into bubbly, golden goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop the whole dish into your preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30–35 minutes. The Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is ready when the topping is golden, bubbly, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of each chicken breast reads at least 165°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in those juices!

How to Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Garnishes

Just before serving, sprinkle a handful of chopped green onions over your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. Their fresh, mild bite and splash of color wake up every plate, making the dish look (and taste) even more appetizing. You could also add a little extra Parmesan or some cracked black pepper for a final punch.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken is a star with just about any side, but some favorites include tender steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or a pile of buttery mashed potatoes. Rice or a fresh green salad also pair wonderfully, soaking up any extra sauce that might escape your fork.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken and layering it over a bed of arugula, or serve atop creamy risotto for a restaurant-worthy twist. You could even tuck thin slices inside a soft roll for a decadent sandwich. There’s no wrong way to serve up this comforting classic!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy topping helps the chicken stay extra moist and flavorful, even days after baking.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Baked Cream Cheese Chicken! Let it cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in foil or plastic wrap before storing in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the chicken in an oven-safe dish and cover loosely with foil. Warm in a 325°F oven until heated through – usually about 20 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave in 45-second bursts on medium, but oven reheating helps restore the original crave-worthy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit richer and stay incredibly tender. Just be sure to adjust the baking time so they’re fully cooked through, and use the same delicious topping.

What can I substitute for sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a perfect swap for sour cream in Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, offering a lighter but still tangy result. You could also try crème fraîche or even plain yogurt in a pinch!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the recipe as written is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check every packaged ingredient (especially cheeses and spices) to be certain if you are cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity.

Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?

You can assemble the chicken and creamy cheese topping in your baking dish up to a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the oven time to account for starting from cold.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to use a meat thermometer; your chicken is ready once it hits 165°F in the thickest part. The creamy top should also be bubbly and beautifully golden by the end!

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if Baked Cream Cheese Chicken becomes a regular request at your table – it’s pure comfort, quick enough for weeknights, and impressive enough for guests. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and fall in love with its creamy, cheesy magic just like we have!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this creamy and flavorful Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream cheese mixture and baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cream Cheese Mixture:

8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
Prepare Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and place them in the baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over each piece.
Bake: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and bake for 30–35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.