Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Tender chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce made with softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. This easy baked chicken recipe features savory seasonings, optional red pepper flakes for a little heat, and a deliciously smooth sauce. Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a satisfying meal.
Equipment
- Oven
- 9x13-inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet Optional, for searing the chicken
- Medium mixing bowl
- Mixing Spoon or Hand Mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Meat Thermometer
- Aluminum Foil Optional, if the sauce browns too quickly
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts About 6–8 ounces each
- 1 tbsp olive oil For optional searing
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt To taste
- black pepper To taste
For the Creamy Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese Quantity not specified in the original recipe
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped
- 1 clove garlic Minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so it is ready for the chicken. Make sure the dish is large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping.
- If searing the chicken, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken briefly for extra color before transferring it to the prepared baking dish. This step is optional. If skipping the sear, simply season the raw chicken breasts and place them directly in the baking dish.
- Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared baking dish. Avoid overlapping the pieces to ensure even cooking and allow the creamy sauce to coat each breast properly.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly with a spoon or hand mixer until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. The original recipe does not specify an exact quantity of Parmesan cheese.
- Pour the prepared cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Spread the mixture across the tops of the chicken, making sure each piece receives a generous coating. The cream cheese creates a thick, rich sauce, while the chicken broth helps make it easier to distribute.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, or until the sauce is hot and bubbling and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of each breast. If the sauce begins browning too quickly, loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil while the chicken finishes cooking.
- Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. Keep the chicken in the baking dish with the creamy sauce during this brief resting period.
- Serve the baked cream cheese chicken hot with its creamy garlic sauce spooned over each portion. Pair with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Softened Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to soften before preparing the sauce. This helps it combine smoothly with the chicken broth and prevents lumps.
Optional Searing: Searing the chicken breasts before baking adds color, but it is not required. The chicken can be baked directly after seasoning.
Even Cooking: Arrange the chicken breasts in a single layer without overlapping to promote even cooking and consistent sauce coverage.
Check the Temperature: Cook the chicken until the thickest part reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Do not rely on baking time alone, as chicken breasts can vary in thickness.
Prevent Excessive Browning: If the cream cheese sauce starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the baking dish with aluminum foil while the chicken finishes cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: The original recipe includes Parmesan cheese but does not specify a quantity. No exact measurement is provided.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the chicken and accompanying side dish.
Optional Spice: Omit the red pepper flakes if you prefer a sauce without additional heat.