If you’re craving something incredibly creamy, soothing, and satisfying, Cream Cheese Baked Chicken is about to steal your heart (and your dinner plans). This dish wraps juicy chicken breasts in a luscious, garlicky cream cheese blanket that bubbles up under a blanket of melted parmesan and mozzarella. Every bite is pure comfort — weeknight easy, but dinner party worthy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy & Comforting: The dreamy cream cheese and sour cream topping melts into the chicken, creating a sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
- Crowd Pleaser: Even picky eaters will ask for seconds — it’s rich, savory, and a guaranteed hit for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
- Easy Prep, Fancy Results: Just a handful of pantry staples and a quick mix, yet it tastes like you spent way longer in the kitchen.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Option: Assemble in advance, pop in the oven when you’re ready, and dinner practically cooks itself.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Cream Cheese Baked Chicken such a swoon-worthy recipe? It’s all about the essential ingredients — each one has a role in building that irresistible flavor, gorgeous golden top, and incredible creamy texture. Here’s a peek at what makes this dish tick (and some tips to make it even better):
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These provide a tender, juicy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness while baking; try to use pieces of similar thickness for even cooking.
- Cream Cheese (softened): The superstar! Softened cream cheese ensures a silky, spreadable layer that bakes up into the creamiest sauce.
- Sour Cream: Adds just a hint of tang and keeps everything ultra-moist—don’t skip it!
- Garlic (minced): Four cloves lend big, bold flavor that dances through every bite—use fresh for the best aroma.
- Oregano: This punchy herb enlivens the sauce with a subtle Italian flair; dried oregano works perfectly.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just enough to heighten every other ingredient—adjust to your taste.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Nutty, salty, and perfect both in the sauce and bubbling up golden on top. Freshly grated is next-level!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible melty, stretchy, cheesy cap—makes the topping so satisfying.
Variations
The beauty of Cream Cheese Baked Chicken? It’s endlessly adaptable! Make it your own by swapping in favorite flavors, cheeses, or easy add-ins based on what you love or what’s in your fridge.
- Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomato: Add a generous handful of fresh baby spinach and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for a Mediterranean twist.
- Bacon Lovers: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top before baking for an extra savory smoky flavor.
- Herb Swap: Try Italian seasoning, thyme, or basil in place of oregano for a different herbal vibe.
- Cheese Swap: Try Gruyère or fontina instead of mozzarella for a more gourmet finish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Baked Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Chicken
First, preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish — this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Nestle the chicken breasts in a single layer in the prepared dish. Laying them flat ensures each one is coated evenly and cooks just right.
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and half the parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is nice and smooth — it should be easy to spread and full of flavor.
Step 3: Spread and Top
Spoon the creamy mixture generously onto each chicken breast, smoothing it out to completely cover the top. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and remaining parmesan cheese all over — don’t be shy, this cheesy layer bakes up golden and sizzling!
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 40–45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling, the top is deliciously golden, and the chicken reaches 165°F at the thickest part. The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly, blanketing the chicken in creamy goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Baked Chicken
- Even Chicken Breasts: If your chicken breasts vary in thickness, gently pound them to a uniform size so they cook evenly and stay extra juicy.
- Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes — this makes it much easier to mix and spread over the chicken.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch closely during the last 5–10 minutes; once the cheese is bubbly and golden and the chicken hits 165°F, it’s ready!
- Flavor Booster: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving for brightness.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Baked Chicken
Garnishes
Bring even more visual and flavor appeal to your Cream Cheese Baked Chicken by sprinkling it with freshly chopped parsley, a handful of sliced scallions, or a light dusting of extra parmesan right before serving. These fresh touches brighten the dish and provide lovely color contrast to all that melty cheese.
Side Dishes
This chicken recipe absolutely shines alongside fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or warm garlic bread for sopping up the sauce. Prefer veggies? Steamed broccoli, roasted green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad all balance out the richness and make a beautiful, well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to go beyond family-style, try slicing the baked chicken and fanning it on a platter, then drizzling with the creamy pan sauce. Or serve individual portions atop a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted arugula for a simple, restaurant-worthy presentation. A few roasted cherry tomatoes on the side add stunning color and extra flavor, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Baked Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days and the flavors just get richer as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen either before or after baking. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place in a covered baking dish in a 325°F oven until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts on medium power. Adding a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating keeps the sauce extra creamy and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully for Cream Cheese Baked Chicken. They remain extra juicy and flavorful — just be sure to adjust the cook time slightly, as thighs may bake faster or slower depending on their size.
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Can I make Cream Cheese Baked Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the whole dish (up to the point of baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, let it come up to room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.
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What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes, or carefully microwave (unwrapped) in 10-second bursts until just soft, not melted.
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Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Definitely! Thin-sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be tucked around the chicken for a one-pan meal. Just keep in mind they’ll add some moisture, so increase the baking time slightly if necessary.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that brings big flavor, creamy comfort, and happy faces around your table, give Cream Cheese Baked Chicken a try! It’s easy, customizable, and destined to become the kind of recipe you crave again and again. Enjoy every cheesy, melty, delicious bite!
Print
Cream Cheese Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 4 chicken breasts 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cream Cheese Baked Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that is sure to impress. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich cream cheese mixture, topped with gooey melted cheese, and baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated parmesan, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, minced garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and ½ cup of parmesan. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Dish: Spoon the cream cheese mixture onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover the top of each one. Sprinkle on the mozzarella and remaining parmesan.
- Bake: Bake the chicken for 40-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- Serve: Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
