Description
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy and flavorful main course featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and pairs well with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cream Cheese Topping
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Baking
- Olive oil spray or drizzle for baking
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease or spray a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, onion powder, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast to cover them completely.
- Apply Olive Oil: Drizzle a light amount of olive oil over the coated chicken breasts or spray the tops lightly. This will help achieve a golden, slightly crispy finish during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For a more browned and bubbly top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the flavors to settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm with your choice of sides.
Notes
- Serve with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a green salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor and texture, add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture before spreading.
- Leftovers reheat well and make a convenient lunch option for the next day.
