Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that’s packed with flavor? This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is the answer! With tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, cheesy topping, this dish is both comforting and indulgent. Perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner, it’s easy to make and sure to impress. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal that everyone will love.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy: A rich and flavorful topping that’s irresistible.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
- Versatile: Pair with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes great leftovers for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (4): Lean protein, the main base of the dish.
- Cream cheese (8 oz): Adds a rich, creamy texture to the chicken topping.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (½ cup): Melty and gooey, enhancing the creamy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): A bit of sharpness and flavor depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A fragrant and savory addition.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Adds herby, classic pizza flavors.
- Onion powder (½ tsp): For a mild savory note.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the creamy topping.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): For drizzling over the chicken, helping it stay juicy during baking.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, colorful garnish to brighten up the dish.
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Tips and Tricks
- Even Cooking: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness for consistent cooking.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika for a spicy kick.
- Creamier Topping: Mix in a splash of heavy cream or sour cream with the cheese mixture.
- Make It Ahead: Assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Variations and Customizations
- Cheesy Twist: Add a layer of shredded cheddar or provolone cheese on top before baking.
- Veggie Boost: Top with sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Pairing Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Pair with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
- Wine: Enjoy with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Popular Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives.
3. Can I add bacon to this dish?
Absolutely! Top with cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.
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4. Can I use fresh herbs instead of Italian seasoning?
Yes, try fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for a fresh twist.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, cheesy dish with a rich topping of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Flavored with garlic and Italian seasoning, it’s simple to prepare and perfect with any side!
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Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Season with additional salt and pepper.
- Add the Topping:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Bake:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dish—steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes work perfectly!
Notes
- For a smoother topping, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to lock in the juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Fusion
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