Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a delightful dish that perfectly combines the juicy tenderness of chicken with a creamy, rich sauce. This recipe creates a comforting meal that is ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering. Imagine biting into perfectly baked chicken, smothered in a velvety cream cheese sauce, enhanced with fresh chives and a hint of paprika. It’s undoubtedly a dish that will earn rave reviews from your loved ones! With its straightforward preparation and comforting flavors, it’s a recipe worth adding to your meal rotation.

Why You’ll Love Making It

What sets Baked Cream Cheese Chicken apart from the crowd? Here are a few compelling reasons to pull this recipe into your dinner roster:

1. Simplicity: It’s an easy-to-follow recipe, perfect for novice cooks and busy home chefs alike. With just a few simple steps, you can create a show-stopping meal.
2. Quick Prep Time: The whole process takes about an hour or less, making it ideal for weeknight dinners for those who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
3. Kid-Approved Flavor: The creamy sauce and tender chicken will likely entice even the pickiest eaters at your table!
4. Versatile Side Pairings: You can serve this dish with a variety of sides—from salads to grains—making it adaptable to any occasion.

"This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken has quickly become my family’s favorite dinner! The flavors are rich and comforting—my kids couldn’t get enough!" – Sarah T.

Your Easy Cooking Guide

To make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, you don’t need extensive culinary experience or ingredients that require a hunt through specialty stores. Instead, this recipe guides you through simple steps, ensuring your chicken ends up juicy and flavorful.

What You’ll Need

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Feel free to substitute the cream cheese with Neufchâtel for a lighter option, or add other herbs like thyme for different flavor profiles!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they reach a golden brown color. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly. Next, stir in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth. Add chopped chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine chicken and sauce: Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over the top. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
6. Bake it: Transfer to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’ve added cheese, you can switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to achieve a delicious golden-brown topping.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm alongside your favorite sides.

Perfect Pairings for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Wondering what to serve alongside your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken? Here are a few delectable ideas:

• Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies tossed in olive oil and herbs brings color and nutrition to your plate.
• Rice or Quinoa: A fluffy side of rice or quinoa will soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Garden Salad: A refreshing salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Garlic Bread: For an indulgent touch, serve it with buttery garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.

Best Way to Store Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

To ensure your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken stays delicious after cooking, follow these storage tips:

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Always ensure the chicken has cooled down before sealing to avoid condensation.
• Freezing: If you want to store it longer, it can be frozen in a suitable container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, covering to retain moisture.

Always use safe food handling practices, especially when storing and reheating chicken dishes.

Pro Chef Tips

1. Don’t skip the searing step: It’s essential for creating a lovely crust and locking in the chicken’s juices!
2. Cream cheese temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature for blending. This prevents clumping and helps achieve a smooth sauce.
3. Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs not only add flavor but also bring a pop of color to the dish, making it visually appealing.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try with your Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:

• Add Spinach: Incorporate fresh or frozen spinach into the cream cheese mixture for added nutrients and flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeños to the cream cheese sauce.
• Lemon Zest: A touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors, making it a refreshing option for spring and summer meals.

Your Questions Answered

1. What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is about 15 minutes, with a total cooking time of around 30 minutes.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and can be used in place of breasts if you prefer.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done?
Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Adding Baked Cream Cheese Chicken to your repertoire is a move you won’t regret. With its creamy texture and enticing flavor, it’s set to become a family favorite!

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A delightful dish combining juicy chicken with a creamy, rich sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Season the chicken: Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides of the chicken breasts.
3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes. Stir in softened cream cheese until smooth. Add chopped chives and season with salt and pepper.
5. Combine chicken and sauce: Place seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over the top. If using, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
6. Bake: Transfer to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). For added cheese melt, broil for the last 2-3 minutes.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and enjoy warm with your choice of sides.

Notes

Feel free to substitute cream cheese with Neufchâtel for a lighter option. Add herbs like thyme for different flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: baked chicken, cream cheese, easy dinner, family favorite, comfort food