Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is like a warm hug from your oven, enveloping juicy chicken in a creamy, dreamy blanket of flavors that will make both your taste buds and your heart sing. Picture this: you walk into your kitchen, the rich aroma of melting cream cheese and fragrant herbs wafting through the air, instantly making you feel like a culinary genius. Just when you think it can’t get any better, you take that first bite, and oh boy, does your mouth do a happy dance! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole recipe.
Now let me take you back to a cozy family dinner where I first whipped up this delightful dish. My family gathered around the table, eager to dig in after a long week. As soon as I placed the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken on the table, jaws dropped and eyes widened in delight. crockpot Mexican chicken pozole The only sound was the clinking of forks as they dove into their plates. This dish is perfect for those nights when you want to impress without breaking a sweat – or for any occasion where deliciousness is non-negotiable.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Its flavor profile combines savory and creamy notes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
- The visual appeal will have your dinner guests admiring your plating skills, even if it’s just a sprinkle of parsley on top!
- This versatile dish pairs well with various sides, from rice to steamed vegetables, making it suitable for any meal occasion.
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts depending on how many people you’re serving; they cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Cream Cheese: A block of cream cheese works best; let it soften at room temperature for easy mixing and spreading.
- Garlic Powder: This adds rich flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic; opt for granulated garlic for an even stronger kick.
- Fresh Spinach: Use about two cups; it wilts beautifully in the oven and adds color and nutrition to your dish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty flavor that complements the creamy filling perfectly.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like basil and oregano elevates the overall dish with aromatic freshness.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth helps control saltiness while keeping everything moist during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab your trusty baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray so nothing decides to stick around longer than necessary.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese with garlic powder, grated Parmesan cheese, fresh spinach, and Italian seasoning until combined. You want it creamy with all that gorgeous green goodness peeking through.
Step 3: Stuff Those Breasts
Take each chicken breast and create a pocket by slicing them horizontally but not all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with your cream cheese mixture because who doesn’t love generous portions?
Step 4: Season It Up
Season each stuffed chicken breast with salt and pepper on both sides. Remember: seasoning is key! You want each bite bursting with flavor. cheesy stuffed poblano peppers.
Step 5: Arrange in Baking Dish
Place those beautifully stuffed chicken breasts into your prepared baking dish. Pour some low-sodium chicken broth around them — this keeps everything tender and juicy while adding extra flavor.
Step 6: Bake Away
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it into your preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last five minutes to let everything get nice and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite while basking in compliments from friends or family who might think you’re now an award-winning chef!
You Must Know
- This amazing baked cream cheese chicken offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then mix the cream cheese and seasonings while it cooks. Finally, bake to perfection while you whip up some accompanying sides. Efficiency is key to achieving that delightful creamy texture!
Add Your Touch
Want to spice things up? Swap out the cream cheese for ricotta or add your favorite herbs like rosemary or thyme. Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or spinach for a veggie boost that’ll make your taste buds sing.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the creamy goodness stays intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly baked cream cheese chicken, remember to allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juiciness.
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened before mixing for easy blending.
- Lastly, always taste and adjust seasoning as needed for maximum flavor!
Nothing beats that moment when my friend took a bite of this baked cream cheese chicken and exclaimed, “Where has this been all my life?” It’s those moments that remind me why I love cooking!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?
To make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, shredded cheese (like cheddar or mozzarella), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Optional ingredients can include fresh herbs like parsley or chives for garnish. This dish is simple yet flavorful, making it a great choice for dinner any night of the week.
How long does it take to prepare Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?
Preparation time for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is typically around 10-15 minutes. Once you have prepared the chicken and mixed the cream cheese filling, the cooking time is about 25-30 minutes in the oven at 375°F. Overall, you can enjoy this delicious meal in under an hour from start to finish.
Can I make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Baked Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time. Assemble the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge. For more inspiration, check out this baked apples with feta recipe.
What sides pair well with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken?
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy option. classic dill pickle macaroni salad You could also include mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the creamy filling. A fresh salad adds a nice touch too, balancing out the richness of the dish.
Conclusion for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that your family will love. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this dish combines tender chicken with creamy goodness for a comforting meal. Mediterranean chicken patties Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for later in the week, this recipe fits perfectly into any plan. Enjoy every bite of this rich and flavorful dish!
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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is a comforting dish that envelops tender chicken breasts in a creamy filling of cream cheese, fresh spinach, and Parmesan. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will leave everyone asking for more. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy to prepare and pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, chopped spinach, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Create pockets in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting through completely. Generously stuff each pocket with the cream cheese mixture.
- Season the stuffed breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the stuffed breasts in the greased baking dish and pour chicken broth around them.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove foil during the last five minutes for a golden finish.
Notes
For extra flavor, add herbs like rosemary or thyme to the cream cheese mixture. This dish can be made ahead; assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast (170g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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