Description
Savory cream cheese chicken elevates weeknight dinners with its rich, creamy blend of tender chicken and smooth cheese. Quick preparation meets delightful flavor, making this dish perfect for home cooks craving comfort without complexity.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- ½ cup (56 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup (50 grams) parmesan cheese, grated
Topping:
- ½ cup (60 grams) panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the chicken breasts dry, removing excess moisture for better seasoning adherence.
- Generously season both sides of the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- Carefully arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, spacing them slightly apart.
- Create a creamy topping by combining cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella in a mixing bowl until completely smooth and well-integrated.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, completely covering the surface with a thick, luxurious layer.
- Prepare the crispy topping by mixing panko breadcrumbs, additional parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a separate bowl until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
- Distribute the buttery breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the cream cheese-covered chicken, creating a potential crispy golden crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches the safe 165F (75C).
- If the breadcrumb topping hasn’t achieved a golden-brown color, activate the broiler and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute the juices and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help create a crispy, golden breadcrumb topping that adheres perfectly.
- Choose full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more luxurious sauce that melts smoothly over the chicken breasts.
- For gluten-free variation, swap panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs to maintain the crispy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg