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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 24 reviews

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a creamy, garlicky cream cheese sauce with hints of fresh chives and paprika, topped optionally with melted sharp cheddar cheese and garnished with parsley. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped

Toppings and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make Sauce: Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in chopped fresh chives, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Assemble for Baking: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken. If desired, sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top for extra flavor and melting goodness.
  5. Bake and Broil: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). If you added cheddar cheese, switch to broil mode and broil for 2–3 minutes to brown the cheese lightly and get a golden crust.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm for a delicious and creamy meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly with paprika, salt, and pepper before searing.
  • If cream cheese is too firm, soften it by microwaving for 15-20 seconds before mixing.
  • You can substitute fresh chives with green onions or parsley if preferred.
  • For a lower-fat option, use light cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally for food safety.
  • The dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken, cream cheese chicken, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken breasts, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://chefmilacook.com/baked-cream-cheese-chicken-recipe/