Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s a breeze to make on even the busiest weeknights, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is about to become your new go-to. Think juicy chicken breasts nestled in a lusciously creamy, cheesy sauce that bubbles to golden perfection in the oven. Every bite delivers a fabulous blend of tangy cream cheese, savory spices, and melty mozzarella, finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. It’s a classic combination that feels fancy enough for company, but is so simple you can throw it together anytime you crave something cozy and delicious.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is all about using simple, everyday ingredients that deliver big on flavor and texture. Each item plays a key role in creating that irresistible creamy sauce and juicy chicken, so don’t skip any!

  • Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas for soaking up all that rich, cheesy sauce.
  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps achieve that gorgeous golden sear on the chicken.
  • Garlic powder: Gives a savory depth to both chicken and sauce without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
  • Onion powder: Rounds out the seasoning blend with a gentle sweetness and a pop of flavor.
  • Paprika: Lends a gentle warmth and a lovely touch of color to the dish.
  • Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—season generously to taste!
  • Cream cheese (softened): The star ingredient, making the sauce ultra-creamy and tangy.
  • Chicken broth: Loosens up the sauce and adds a savory backbone.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, giving it that stretchy, cheesy quality we all love.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty kick that perfectly balances the creaminess.
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a fresh, vibrant garnish that makes everything pop.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them sear beautifully and soak up all those delicious seasonings. Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This quick seasoning step creates a flavorful base that shines through the creamy sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, gently lay in the chicken breasts, giving them enough space so they don’t steam. Sear each side for 3–4 minutes until they’re lightly golden but not cooked through—this locks in their moisture and gives them a lovely caramelized edge.

Step 3: Mix the Cream Cheese Sauce

While the chicken is searing, grab a bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Stir until everything is smooth, creamy, and perfectly blended. The chicken broth keeps the sauce from being too thick, and the cheeses melt together into a dreamy base for your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot—the sauce will bubble and thicken as it bakes, enveloping the chicken in cheesy goodness. Place the skillet in the oven and bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is hot and bubbling.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Once your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is done, let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle and the sauce to set just a bit. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish, then serve warm. Every forkful is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try thinly sliced green onions or a light dusting of extra Parmesan for a bit more richness. Even a few cracks of black pepper add a nice visual and flavorful touch on top of the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This dish is fantastic over fluffy rice, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a pile of buttered noodles to soak up all that luscious sauce. If you want something lighter, serve it with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp green salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice the chicken and spoon the creamy sauce over roasted vegetables or even stuff the mixture into baked potatoes for a decadent main course. You can also shred the chicken and sauce together and use it as a filling for wraps or sandwiches—perfect for next-day lunches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it chills, but it will loosen up again when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the chicken stays juicy.

Reheating

To reheat, cover and warm gently in the oven at 325°F, or microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick. The flavors are just as delicious the second time around!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in Easy Cream Cheese Chicken and will be even juicier. Just adjust the baking time as needed, since thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Is Easy Cream Cheese Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, making it a great choice for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check your chicken broth and seasonings to be sure they don’t contain any hidden gluten.

Can I prepare Easy Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?

You can assemble everything up to the point of baking and refrigerate it, covered, for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?

Feel free to stir in cooked spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or even a pinch of Italian seasoning to customize the sauce. This is a versatile base that takes well to whatever you love!

Can I make this in a regular baking dish instead of a skillet?

Definitely! If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer everything to a baking dish before topping with the sauce and baking. The results will be just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that feels special but is secretly simple, give Easy Cream Cheese Chicken a try. It’s guaranteed to win over anyone at your table and is sure to earn a top spot in your weeknight rotation. Happy cooking!

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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 24 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. With simple seasonings and a quick bake, it’s a comforting, flavorful main dish perfect for a hassle-free dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Cream Cheese Sauce

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the chicken.
  2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side until they develop a light golden crust. Remove the pan from heat.
  4. Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  5. Apply Sauce: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast in the skillet.
  6. Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Rest and Garnish: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm.

Notes

  • Serve this dish over rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For extra flavor and texture, consider stirring cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the cream cheese sauce before spreading it on the chicken.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 410mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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