Description
Creamy “Baked Cream Cheese Chicken” brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners. Succulent chicken breasts draped in rich, tangy cheese sauce promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Creamy Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and delicately coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light grease to prevent sticking.
- Meticulously blot the chicken breasts with a paper towel, ensuring a dry surface for optimal seasoning, then generously dust both sides with a harmonious blend of salt, cracked black pepper, vibrant paprika, and aromatic garlic powder.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
- In a mixing bowl, whip together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Lavishly spread the creamy mixture across each chicken breast, creating an even, luxurious coating.
- Combine panko breadcrumbs, additional parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a separate bowl, stirring until the ingredients mesh perfectly.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the cream cheese-covered chicken, ensuring a complete and even distribution.
- Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C).
- If the topping lacks a golden-brown allure, activate the broiler for a swift 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisp, enticing finish.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and flavors meld.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
- Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta.
Notes
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help the spices adhere and create a better crust.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free topping that spreads easily over chicken.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for low-carb and gluten-free alternatives.
- Swap regular mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein without compromising flavor.
- Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness and food safety.
- Fresh herbs like basil or chives can replace parsley for a different aromatic garnish and flavor profile.
- Prepare extra topping mixture to store in refrigerator for quick meal prep on busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 122 mg