Cheesy Dream: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe Everyone Loves

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delectable solutions that satisfy hungry families.

This mouthwatering tender baked cream cheese chicken delivers incredible flavor without complicated preparation.

Creamy and succulent, the dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce that melts in your mouth.

Herbs and spices dance across each perfectly seasoned bite, creating a symphony of taste that elevates ordinary chicken.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.

The secret lies in the perfect balance of cream cheese and seasonings that infuse every morsel with irresistible goodness.

Dive into this comforting recipe and transform your dinner routine with one spectacular chicken dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 399 kcal

Servings: 5

Simple Ingredients In Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein powerhouse that provides a perfect canvas for creamy, zesty flavors and ensures a satisfying main course.

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Silky smooth base that creates an incredibly rich and indulgent coating for the chicken.
• Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Adds depth of flavor and creates a luscious, stretchy cheese experience.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic blend that infuses the topping with complex, mouthwatering layers of taste.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese, Melted Butter: Delivers a golden, crispy texture that provides delightful contrast to the creamy chicken underneath.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a pop of color and fresh, herbaceous note to the finished dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's natural flavors and create a well-rounded taste profile.

Kitchen Tools For Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Baking Dish: 9×13-inch dish for roasting chicken evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: Two medium bowls for cream cheese topping and breadcrumb mixture.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient measurements.
• Paper Towels: For patting chicken dry before seasoning.
• Spatula or Spoon: To mix cream cheese topping and spread evenly.
• Cutting Board: For preparing chicken and seasoning.
• Whisk: To blend cream cheese mixture smoothly.
• Oven: For baking chicken at correct temperature.

How To Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Set Up The Oven Transform your kitchen into a cozy cooking space by warming the oven to 375F. Give a quick spray of cooking oil to a baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Season The Chicken Gently pat chicken dry and shower it with a delightful blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Nestle the seasoned chicken into the prepared dish.
• Whip Up The Creamy Topping In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, and a symphony of spices until silky smooth. Lovingly spread this luxurious mixture across each chicken breast.
• Create A Crunchy Crown Combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and melted butter to craft a golden, crispy topping. Sprinkle this magical crunch over the creamy chicken.
• Bake To Perfection Slide the dish into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature. For an extra golden finish, give it a quick broil at the end.
• Serve With Love Let the chicken rest briefly, then garnish with fresh parsley. Plate alongside roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete, mouth-watering meal.

Extra Ideas For Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pro Chicken Prep Tricks: Pat chicken thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown topping that sticks perfectly.
• Protein Power Swap: Easily substitute chicken breasts with turkey breasts or boneless chicken thighs for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Low-Carb Champion: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the delicious crunch.
• Flavor Fusion Hacks: Experiment with different seasoning blends like cajun, ranch, or herb mix to create unique taste experiences without changing the core recipe method.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cream cheese topping and chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

How To Serve Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Zesty Side Symphony: Pair this creamy chicken with roasted asparagus or broccoli drizzled with lemon juice for a bright, fresh contrast to the rich cream cheese topping.
• Carb Companion Delight: Serve alongside garlic butter rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce and create a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Salad Sparkle Pairing: Create a crisp mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the chicken's decadent cream cheese coating.
• Wine & Dine Moment: Complement the dish with a chilled glass of chardonnay or sauvignon blanc, which will enhance the creamy flavors and cut through the richness.

Keep Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Fresh And Ready

• Quick Chilling Strategy: Cool the baked chicken completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
• Refrigerator Storage Magic: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags to store for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Perfection: Warm refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispy topping and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain the crunchy breadcrumb layer.

Tender Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering cream cheese chicken enchants dinner tables with rich, creamy flavors. Savory seasonings and tender chicken create a memorable meal that draws families together for a comforting experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 tbsp parsley, fresh and chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Seasoning: Pat chicken breasts dry and generously season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring complete coverage on both surfaces.
3. Creamy Coating: In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth, then lavishly spread the mixture across each chicken breast.
4. Crispy Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs, additional parmesan, and melted butter until well combined, then evenly sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
5. Baking: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, checking that the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
6. Finishing Touch: If the topping lacks a golden-brown appearance, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crisp, enticing crust.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution and flavor melding, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or preferred pasta.

Notes

• Manage Moisture Carefully: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to prevent excess liquid that could make the topping soggy and compromise the crispy texture.
• Control Cheese Consistency: Ensure cream cheese is softened at room temperature for smooth blending, avoiding lumpy or uneven coating that disrupts the dish’s creamy profile.
• Customize Breadcrumb Layer: Toast panko breadcrumbs slightly before adding to enhance crunchiness and develop a deeper, nuttier flavor that elevates the overall dish’s texture.
• Watch Broiling Closely: Monitor the golden-brown topping during the final broiling stage, as just seconds can transform from perfectly crisp to burnt – remove immediately when achieving desired color and crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 399
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 705 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 91 mg