Ultimate Easy Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

If you’re craving a meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts slathered in a dreamy cream cheese topping loaded with garlic, herbs, and plenty of melty cheese—baked until perfectly golden. This is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is so easy to pull off, making it a total weeknight winner.

This baked chicken dish is not just delicious but also low-carb and keto-friendly, so it fits a lot of diets. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week ahead, this recipe is ready to become your go-to. You’ll love how effortlessly the flavors come together, and the best part? Cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

To get started, you’ll need some simple pantry staples and fresh chicken breasts. Here’s a quick peek at what makes this dish so special:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: the star of the show—easy to cook and so juicy when done right.
• Olive oil and seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful base.
• Cream cheese, softened for that silky texture.
• Parmesan and mozzarella cheese for richness and that irresistible melt.
• Italian seasoning and minced garlic to brighten the creamy mixture.
• Optional crunch with panko breadcrumbs and butter for a golden topping.
• Fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness at the end.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

One reason this baked cream cheese chicken stands out is the balance between creamy and crunchy textures. The cream cheese layer locks in moisture so your chicken never dries out. At the same time, a sprinkle of crispy panko mixed with parmesan cheese and butter creates a mouthwatering crust that’s just begging to be sliced into.

The spices are gentle yet flavorful, enhancing the natural taste of the chicken without overpowering it. Garlic lovers, you’re in for a treat! And if you want to get creative, there are so many ways to tweak this recipe with your favorite add-ins or seasonings.

How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—that’s a crucial step to get a nice sear and help the seasoning stick better.

Now season both sides of the chicken generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is the key to great flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Topping
While your chicken is getting cozy in the baking dish, grab a bowl and mix together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise (or sour cream if you prefer), garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, grated parmesan, and shredded mozzarella. This creamy mixture will be the luscious blanket covering the chicken.

Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing. It blends better and gives you that smooth, dreamy texture.

Step 3: Spread and Top
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast. It’s okay to be generous here—this is what makes the dish so rich and satisfying!

If you want that extra crunch, mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese and melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese layer. This step is optional but highly recommended if you enjoy a crispy, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken is done when its internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to be precise—this keeps your chicken juicy and safe to eat.

If you notice the topping isn’t quite golden brown at the end, switch your oven to broil and give it 2-3 minutes to crisp up beautifully. Keep a close eye on it, so it doesn’t burn.

Step 5: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes once it’s out of the oven. Resting helps the juices redistribute, keeping each bite moist and tender. Just before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the top to add a burst of freshness and color.

This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, or a simple green salad. You really can’t go wrong!

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Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Add chopped fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms under the cream cheese for extra veggies and flavor.
• Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
• Swap mozzarella for sharp cheddar and toss in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky twist.
• Mix ranch seasoning into the cream cheese topping to create a tangy, herby version.

These tweaks let you keep this dish exciting every time you make it.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This recipe is fantastic for leftovers and meal prep. Store any uneaten chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To keep that creamy texture, reheat gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.

If you want to freeze portions, wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Just remember thighs might need a little more baking time. Always check for that 165°F internal temperature.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes! Assemble everything, cover the dish, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake fresh when you’re ready to eat.
• Is low-fat cream cheese okay? You can use it, but full-fat cream cheese will give you the creamiest and richest topping.
• How do I avoid drying out the chicken? The key is not to overbake. Use a meat thermometer and take the chicken out as soon as it reaches 165°F.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Try substituting with dairy-free cream cheese and skip the parmesan and mozzarella or use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• What sides go best with this? Roasted veggies, garlic mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crisp salad all complement this dish beautifully.
• Can I cook this in an air fryer? Yes! Bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, but check for doneness early as air fryer times can vary.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a keeper. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough to throw together any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this dish ticks all the boxes.

Give it a try tonight—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

Recipe Card

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Crunchy Topping (optional):

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp melted butter

For garnish:

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place in baking dish.
3. Mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth. Spread over chicken.
4. Mix panko, parmesan, and melted butter; sprinkle over the cream cheese layer.
5. Bake 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F. Broil 2-3 minutes if needed for a golden crust.
6. Let rest 5 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

You’re going to love how easy this is and how quickly it becomes a family favorite!