Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe: Juicy Weeknight Wonder

Creamy golden baked chicken promises a delightful twist on your dinner routine.

Aromas of melted cheese and tender meat will soon fill your kitchen.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Weeknight meals can become extraordinary with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Crispy edges and succulent interior guarantee a memorable dining experience.

Rich cream cheese creates a luxurious coating that seals in moisture.

Curious cooks seeking a crowd-pleasing recipe should definitely keep reading.

Storage Tips for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.

Wrap individual chicken portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, preserving the delicious cream cheese flavor.

Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent drying out. Aim for an internal temperature of 165F.

Preheat oven to 350F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture and richness might be slightly different. Full-fat cream cheese provides the best flavor and creamy consistency.

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C). The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas and juices running clear.

• What can I do if my cream cheese is too firm to mix?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before preparing. This will soften it and make mixing easier and smoother.

• Is it necessary to use chicken broth in the recipe?

The chicken broth helps keep the chicken moist and adds extra flavor. If you don’t have broth, you can use water or white wine as a substitute.

Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Goodness

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Tackle busy evenings with this incredibly straightforward chicken recipe that requires minimal preparation and delivers maximum flavor.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Create a creamy, satisfying meal that appeals to both adults and kids, with rich cream cheese and tender chicken that everyone will love.
• Nutritious and Delicious: Pack a protein-packed punch with lean chicken breasts enhanced by a flavorful cream cheese mixture, making healthy eating totally enjoyable.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair this golden baked chicken with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete meal that adapts to your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender cut that serves as the primary protein source for this golden baked dish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich, smooth filling that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic depth to the cream cheese mixture.
• Chives: Brings a mild onion-like freshness and green color to the cream cheese mixture.

• Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky and slightly sweet flavor with a warm color.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste and helps balance the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity to the seasoning.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds richness.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and extra flavor during the baking process.
• Parsley: Serves as a fresh, bright garnish to finish the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Optional topping that adds a cheesy, bubbly layer of flavor.

Cooking Steps for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a quick spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Together Flavor Blend

• Softened cream cheese
• Finely chopped garlic
• Freshly snipped chives
• A sprinkle of paprika
• Salt and pepper

Blend these ingredients until they’re silky smooth and perfectly mixed.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Canvas

Gently place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

Lavish each piece with the dreamy cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly across the top. Pour chicken broth around the chicken and drizzle olive oil over everything for extra moisture and flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).

For cheese lovers, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top during the final 5 minutes to create a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 5: Rest and Present

Allow the chicken to rest for a few moments after baking.

Scatter fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes for a mouthwatering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Helpful Tips for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before spreading cream cheese mixture to ensure maximum flavor absorption and crispy exterior.
• Use the back of a spoon or spatula to evenly distribute cream cheese mixture, creating a uniform layer that covers the entire chicken breast.
• Always use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat without overcooking.
• Let cream cheese mixture sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before spreading to make it easier to work with and enhance overall taste.
• Replace chives with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile and keep the dish keto-friendly.

Flavorful Variations for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Herbed Ranch Fusion: Replace cream cheese with ranch dressing mix, adding dried dill and parsley for extra herb flavor. Sprinkle crushed crackers on top for a crunchy coating.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap cream cheese with crumbled feta, add chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle dried oregano. Use olive oil infused with rosemary for extra Mediterranean essence.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Mix cream cheese with jalapeños, cilantro, and taco seasoning. Top with pepper jack cheese and serve with salsa. Adds a zesty southwestern heat to the classic recipe.
• Bacon Wrapped Version: Wrap each chicken breast with bacon slices before spreading cream cheese mixture. The bacon adds smoky flavor and creates a crispy exterior during baking.

Pairing Suggestions for Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay cuts through the rich cream cheese, balancing the dish's smooth texture with bright, citrusy notes.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Garlic-roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots provide a delightful contrast to the creamy chicken, adding color and nutrition to the plate.
• Serve with Herbed Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley creates a perfect base that absorbs the chicken's flavorful juices, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Golden Baked Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent golden baked cream cheese chicken delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Rich, creamy textures and savory flavors blend perfectly, promising a memorable meal that will satisfy your culinary cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (8 ounces / 226 grams) package of cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional for topping)

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquids and Oils:

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) and coating a baking dish with a light layer of olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a creamy filling by blending softened cream cheese with finely chopped garlic, delicate chives, warming paprika, and a balanced mix of salt and pepper until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
3. Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish, carefully spreading the seasoned cream cheese mixture across the surface of each piece, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Enhance moisture by gently pouring chicken broth around the chicken and drizzling a touch of olive oil over the top, which will help maintain tenderness during cooking.
5. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C). For an extra indulgent touch, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese during the final 5 minutes of cooking to create a golden, bubbling crust.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest briefly, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain optimal tenderness.
7. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness for even cooking, using a meat mallet to pound breasts to uniform thickness if needed.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing and better blending with herbs and spices.
• Substitute low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Consider gluten-free diets by ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially chicken broth and seasonings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 357 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg