Name: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Breast Dinner Everyone Craves
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional for extra cheesiness); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This baked cream cheese chicken is one of those chicken breast dinner recipes that feels like a secret family recipe, but it’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making it all along. I first made this on a rainy Tuesday when I just didn’t have the energy for anything complicated. And let me tell you, we scraped our plates clean. The cream cheese melts into the chicken, the spices give it that cozy kick, and the whole dish feels like something you’d order at a homey little diner that knows exactly what comfort food should taste like. If you’re collecting chicken breast dinner ideas or just need one more recipe chicken breast folder favorite, this is the one. It’s rich but not overwhelming, flavorful without being fussy, and it reheats like a dream. So if you’re the kind of person who appreciates baked chicken breast recipes that are truly no-fuss, this might just become your go-to.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
8) Try these Dinner recipes next!
9) Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

How do you keep baked chicken from drying out?
Can you put cream cheese on chicken before baking?
What spices work best with chicken breast dinner?
Can I prepare this dish the night before?

2) Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

If your weeknight routine is anything like mine, you know the daily dinner decision can sneak up on you like laundry piles or surprise bills. That’s when I lean on this baked cream cheese chicken recipe. It checks all the boxes: comforting, quick to assemble, and shockingly delicious for something that only takes 10 minutes to prep.

The beauty of this chicken breast dinner is how everything comes together in one dish. It’s not fussy. You spread the cream cheese, season the chicken, and let the oven handle the rest. I keep it in my regular rotation not only because it’s easy, but because no one in my house complains when I serve it.

Whether you’re searching for chicken breast dinner ideas or trying to expand your list of baked chicken breast recipes, this one sits comfortably in both camps. It’s tender, rich without being too heavy, and perfect with roasted vegetables or even plain rice when you’re low on groceries.

3) Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the heart of this recipe. Go for evenly sized pieces so they bake at the same rate. You want them thick enough to stay juicy in the oven.

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest result. It softens into the chicken while baking and makes it taste like it’s been slow cooked, even though it hasn’t.

Olive Oil: Just a drizzle keeps everything tender and helps the spices stick. It adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish.

Garlic Powder: This brings a mellow heat. It’s not sharp like fresh garlic, but it works perfectly in this creamy setting.

Onion Powder: Slightly sweet and savory, it plays nicely with the garlic and gives the cream cheese a little depth.

Paprika: Adds color and a hint of smokiness. It also gives the top a little golden finish when baked.

Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste. I always season both sides of the chicken, not just one. Trust me, it matters.

Shredded Mozzarella (Optional): Feeling indulgent? Sprinkle this on top and let it bubble in the oven. It gives a nice stretchy texture and cheesier flavor.

Fresh Parsley: For garnish. It’s optional but adds brightness to balance the creamy filling and a little green makes any plate feel complete.

4) How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray or brush with oil to keep the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Season the chicken breasts on both sides. Use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You don’t need to drown them, but don’t be shy either.

Step 3: Take your softened cream cheese and spread a thick layer over each piece of chicken. If you’re going with mozzarella, now’s the time to mix it in or sprinkle on top.

Step 4: Lay the chicken in the baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to keep things moist while it bakes.

Step 5: Slide it into the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices run clear and the cheese starts to get golden edges.

Step 6: Pull the dish out and let it rest a few minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving if you’ve got it on hand.

5) Tips for Making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Use room temp cream cheese. Cold cream cheese is hard to spread, especially on raw chicken. Leave it out while you preheat the oven and prep your spices.

Trim your chicken. If your chicken breasts are wildly different sizes, they’ll cook unevenly. Either pound the thick ones gently or slice them down the middle so everything bakes evenly.

Add extras. Want some crunch? Top with seasoned breadcrumbs in the last 10 minutes. Craving a kick? A bit of red pepper flakes goes great in the cream cheese layer. This is a chicken dinner recipe you can riff on based on your mood.

6) Making Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Ahead of Time

You can absolutely prep this ahead. Mix your cream cheese, season your chicken, and even assemble everything in the dish. Cover it and stick it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Let the dish sit at room temp for 15 minutes before baking. Starting from cold can mess with the cook time and make the center cook slower than the edges.

If you’re meal prepping for the week, this chicken holds up well for three to four days in the fridge. Pair it with steamed broccoli or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got dinner handled more than once.

7) Storing Leftover Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Pop leftovers in an airtight container. The cream cheese keeps things moist, so it reheats well in the microwave or oven. Just don’t overdo it or the cheese will separate.

If you’re storing more than one piece, place parchment between them so they don’t stick together. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes if using the oven.

This is one of those baked chicken breast recipes that tastes just as good the next day. Maybe better, depending on your appetite and how long it’s been since lunch.

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9) Baked Cream Cheese Chicken