Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
A delightful dish that combines the rich creaminess of cream cheese with tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper (to taste)
Cream Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (chopped)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley for garnish Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9'×13' baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Season the chicken breasts 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.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. Add fresh chives and season with salt and pepper.
Baking
- Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
For added flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts for a few hours before cooking. If you want a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes into the cream cheese mixture. Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or basil, for a unique twist on the flavors.