Tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a velvety, herb-infused cream cheese layer—this Simple Baked Cream Cheese Chicken feels indulgent but comes together in under 10 minutes of prep. With just one dish and pantry staples, it delivers restaurant-quality comfort: golden, bubbly, and deeply flavorful. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests without the stress, this bake is proof that luxury can be effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Only 10 core ingredients—most already in your fridge
One dish, minimal cleanup
Ready in 35 minutes—faster than takeout
Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable
Leftovers taste even better the next day
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1½–2 lbs total)
1 (8 oz) block full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tbsp mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Italian seasoning (or blend of dried basil + oregano)
½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika
½ tsp salt (plus extra for seasoning chicken)
¼ tsp black pepper (plus extra for chicken)
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1–2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing dish and drizzling)
Optional garnish: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or green onions
Note: Full-fat cream cheese ensures the richest, smoothest topping.
Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. For even cooking, slice thick breasts horizontally or gently pound to uniform thickness (~¾ inch).
2. Season the Chicken
Place chicken in the prepared dish. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Make the Creamy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise (or yogurt), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
Gently fold in mozzarella and Parmesan until evenly distributed.
4. Assemble & Bake
Using a spatula or spoon, spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, covering completely. Don’t worry if it looks thick—it will melt into a luscious blanket as it bakes.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally and the topping is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden at the edges.
For extra color, broil on high for 2–3 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
5. Rest & Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Serve warm with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Classic comfort: Over buttered egg noodles or mashed potatoes
Low-carb: With sautéed spinach and zucchini noodles
Meal prep: Portion into containers for easy lunches
Elegant twist: Top with a squeeze of lemon and serve with arugula salad
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Not recommended—it may separate or become grainy when baked. Full-fat yields the best texture.
Can I add veggies to the dish?
Yes! Nestle cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms around the chicken before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
Can I freeze it?
Yes—freeze unbaked or baked (without garnish) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Allergy Information
Contains: Dairy, eggs (in mayo)
Gluten-free: Yes
Vegetarian? No (contains chicken)
Dairy-free option: Not recommended—cream cheese is essential to the recipe
Always verify ingredient labels if managing allergies.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, recipe serves 4)
Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Fat: 26g (Saturated: 13g)
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 620mg
Values may vary based on ingredient brands.
This Simple Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is the definition of easy elegance—rich enough for company, simple enough for Tuesday night. With its creamy, herbed topping and perfectly tender chicken, it turns humble ingredients into a dish that feels truly special. So preheat your oven, grab your mixing bowl, and treat yourself to comfort that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat.
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