This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a seasoned cream cheese mixture and baked to perfection. It’s an easy, low-carb, and family-friendly meal that pairs well with vegetables, pasta, or rice for a comforting dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich & Creamy – A luscious cream cheese topping keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make – Just mix, spread, and bake!
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Perfect for a hearty yet healthy meal.
- Customizable Flavors – Add herbs, spices, or bacon for a twist.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil (for coating)
- Salt & black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (for color and flavor)
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- Garlic (minced)
- Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Crumbled bacon
- Spinach (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes (for spice)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat Oven – Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season the Chicken – Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- Mix the Ingredients – In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
- Spread Over Chicken – Evenly coat each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Bake the Chicken
- Bake Uncovered – Place chicken in the prepared baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Broil for a Golden Top (Optional) – For a crispy, golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Garnish
- Let Rest – Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish & Enjoy – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chives and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Ranch Chicken – Mix in 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning.
- Mushroom & Spinach – Sauté mushrooms and spinach and add them under the cream cheese topping.
- Bacon & Cheddar – Swap mozzarella for cheddar and top with crumbled bacon.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes, or microwave in 30-second bursts.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Adjust the baking time to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C) internally.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives the best creamy texture.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overbake! Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and omit the Parmesan and mozzarella.
What sides go well with this dish?
Serve with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Can I cook this in an air fryer?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, checking for doneness.
How do I get a crispier top?
Broil the chicken for a few minutes after baking.
Can I add more seasonings?
Absolutely! Try smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or garlic herb blends.
Can I use shredded chicken for a casserole version?
Yes! Mix shredded chicken with the cream cheese topping and bake in a casserole dish.
Conclusion
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, comforting meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. Try this simple yet delicious recipe tonight for a guaranteed family favorite!
Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, a garlic-herb cream cheese topping, and a crispy parmesan crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep!
For the Chicken:
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
For the Topping:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Place chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 3: Add the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If the topping isn’t golden brown, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- No panko? Use crushed Ritz crackers or omit for a softer texture.
- Want extra flavor? Add chopped cooked bacon or spinach to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make it Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.