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Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture Recipe

Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed spinach, steamed broccoli, or sliced mushrooms to enhance the nutritional content and texture Recipe

4.8 from 10 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to infuse them with aromatic flavors.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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

Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Baked Chicken, Cream Cheese Sauce, Easy Dinner, Gluten-Free Dinner, Comfort Food, Chicken Breast Recipe