Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, this Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a total winner. Featuring tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious cream cheese sauce, it’s a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. What truly elevates this recipe is how you can Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture, turning this classic comfort meal into a vibrant, wholesome dinner everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering a handful of simple, yet essential ingredients. Each one contributes flavor, creaminess, or texture, creating a balanced, mouthwatering dish without any fuss.
- Chicken breasts: The lean, juicy star of the show that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
- Cream cheese: Brings the rich, velvety creaminess that makes every bite irresistible.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and helps create that smooth, luscious sauce consistency.
- Garlic powder: Gives a warm, aromatic flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile and complements the garlic perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds an herby, fragrant quality.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection while locking in juices.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a nutty, salty touch that enriches the sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful finish for a lovely garnish.
How to Make Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts thoroughly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This step ensures every bite bursts with flavor and sets the foundation for the rich sauce to come.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear your chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust. This not only locks in their juices but adds tasty texture before baking.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, whisk together the chicken broth and softened cream cheese until silky smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season a bit more if needed. Let it simmer gently so the sauce thickens just right — creamy and inviting.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Place the seared chicken in a greased baking dish, pour the rich cream cheese sauce over the top, and bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Your chicken will be tender and perfectly cooked, absorbing all those wonderful flavors.
Step 5: Add Vegetables for a Nutritional Boost
Now, here’s a game changer: Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture. Tossing your favorite veggies into the sauce or layering them in the baking dish not only brightens up the plate but brings that extra wholesome goodness everyone needs.
How to Serve Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture

Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley instantly lifts the dish, adding vibrant color and a pop of herbal freshness. For an extra touch, you can also dust a little more Parmesan cheese or even a drizzle of good olive oil on top before serving.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the sauce beautifully. For something lighter, steamed green beans or a crisp salad bring a refreshing contrast. And never forget, if you want to stick to the healthiest route, you can Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture and complement the dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the ordinary by serving your Cream Cheese Chicken Bake over a bed of cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist. Or try plating it with some roasted garlic mushrooms and a wedge of lemon on the side for a restaurant-worthy finish that’ll impress your dinner guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making each next-day bite just as satisfying as fresh.
Freezing
Because of the cream cheese sauce, freezing is not the best option since it may affect the texture, turning it grainy when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or within a few days of cooking.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Low to medium heat works best to prevent separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking so they cook evenly and safely.
What can I add if I don’t like cream cheese?
You can try substituting with sour cream or Greek yogurt, but keep in mind the sauce’s texture and tanginess will vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes! By adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli and skipping starchy sides, this creamy chicken dish makes a satisfying low-carb meal.
Can I make this dairy-free?
It’s tricky without losing the creamy texture, but vegan cream cheese and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives can work if you’re willing to experiment.
What are some good vegetable options to add?
In addition to spinach, broccoli, and mushrooms, feel free to try bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus to mix up flavors and textures while still following the strategy to Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a cozy, easy-to-make dinner that feels so special, give this Cream Cheese Chicken Bake a try. And don’t forget, a simple way to make it even better is to Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture. This small addition boosts flavor, color, and nourishment, turning a beloved comfort dish into a wholesome family favorite you’ll return to again and again.
PrintAdd Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture Recipe
Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines tender seared chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, chicken broth, herbs, and Parmesan cheese. This well-balanced recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners, offering a luxurious mouthfeel and savory flavors with minimal effort. Its adaptability makes it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences, including gluten-free and low-carb options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear each chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This seals in the juices and develops a flavorful crust. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together the chicken broth and softened cream cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring they’re well coated.
- Oven Bake: Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
- Sear chicken first to lock in juices and add a flavorful crust.
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Do not overheat the sauce to prevent splitting; whisk often on medium heat.
- Adjust the seasoning generously to balance the richness of cream cheese.
- Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- This dish is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free broth and cheese.
- For a low-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and serve with steamed vegetables.
- Vegetarian substitutes include pan-seared tofu or roasted mushrooms with the same sauce.
- Freezing is not recommended due to potential texture changes in cream cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Baked Chicken, Cream Cheese Sauce, Easy Dinner, Gluten-Free Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Breast Recipe