Description
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then baked in a rich cream cheese and chicken broth sauce with fresh chives and a touch of paprika. An optional topping of sharp cheddar cheese adds a delightful cheesy crust, making this recipe an easy yet elegant main course perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Cream Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and let it reduce slightly for 1-2 minutes. Lower the heat and add softened cream cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth. Mix in fresh chives and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Add Sauce to Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken. For an extra cheesy topping, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
- Bake Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you added cheddar cheese, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown and bubble the cheese topping, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your favorite side dishes for a delicious meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh chives with green onions or parsley for a different flavor twist.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
