Description
Creamy baked cream cheese chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its rich, comforting flavors. Family-friendly and simple to prepare, this dish delivers a satisfying blend of tender chicken and luscious cream cheese that promises to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy:
- 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for topping)
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary canvas by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal thermal environment for transforming chicken into a delectable masterpiece.
- Select a baking vessel and coat its surface with a whisper of olive oil, preventing potential adhesion and facilitating effortless serving.
- Craft a luxurious cream cheese amalgamation by blending softened cream cheese with aromatic garlic, delicate chives, vibrant paprika, and essential seasoning until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
- Arrange chicken breasts within the prepared dish, positioning them with strategic precision to promote uniform heat distribution.
- Lavishly coat each chicken breast with the herb-infused cream cheese mixture, ensuring comprehensive coverage that promises moisture and intense flavor infusion.
- Cascade chicken broth around the protein, creating a succulent liquid foundation that will enhance tenderness during the cooking process.
- Anoint the chicken with a gentle olive oil drizzle, which will contribute to developing a subtly crisp exterior while maintaining internal juiciness.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to transform for approximately 25-30 minutes until reaching a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Optional: During the final cooking moments, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese across the surface for an indulgent, golden-brown enhancement.
- Extract the dish from the oven and permit the chicken a brief resting period, enabling internal juices to redistribute and guarantee maximum succulence.
- Conclude by adorning with fresh parsley and presenting the aromatic creation alongside complementary accompaniments.
Notes
- Swap cream cheese for dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or tofu-based spreads to accommodate lactose-intolerant or vegan diets.
- Use skinless chicken breasts to reduce overall fat content while maintaining a tender, juicy texture.
- Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and create a healthier version of the dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure the cream cheese mixture adheres perfectly and promotes better browning.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg