There are some dishes that simply wrap you in a warm, familiar hug from the very first bite, and Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is exactly one of those treasures. Growing up, Sunday dinners were always something to look forward to, a way to slow down and savor the weekend’s final moments with family around the table. This creamy, comforting chicken dish, nestled in a velvety cream cheese sauce and seasoned to perfection, often took center stage. It is a meal that brings back the aromas of home — buttery, savory, and just a little bit indulgent.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken holds a special place in many kitchens because of its effortless charm. In many households, it’s been the go-to for everything from cozy fall dinners to a comforting dish dropped off for a neighbor in need. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it creates a meal that feels fancy enough for a gathering but simple enough for a Tuesday night. Each forkful, rich with creamy goodness, tells a story of hospitality, warmth, and the timeless pleasure of home-cooked food.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
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It’s incredibly easy to prepare with minimal ingredients.
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Rich, creamy sauce makes every bite irresistibly delicious.
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Perfect for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
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Comfort food at its finest without needing complicated techniques.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
HOW TO MAKE Baked Cream Cheese Chicken:
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always cozy when the kitchen starts to fill with warmth even before you begin. Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and season them on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and give the chicken a quick sear — about 2–3 minutes on each side — just until they develop a light golden color. This step locks in the juices and adds a little more flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture will smell absolutely delicious at this point, almost good enough to taste with a spoon (but resist — it gets even better).
Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously over each piece, ensuring they are blanketed in that luscious sauce.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and golden at the edges.
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, it’s worth it.
HELPFUL TIPS:
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Softening the cream cheese ahead of time ensures a smoother sauce without lumps.
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If your chicken breasts are very thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more even cooking.
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Adding a splash more chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick will keep it silky.
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Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
DETAILS:
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 40 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Yield: 4 servings
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Category: Main Course
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Method: Baking
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Cuisine: American
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Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free seasoning mix)
NOTES:
For an even richer flavor, you can add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
(Estimated per serving)
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Calories: 410
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fiber: 0g
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Sugar: 2g
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay very juicy.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble everything a few hours ahead and bake when ready.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You can try using a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, although the flavor will vary slightly.
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken, you’ll definitely enjoy these other creamy delights:
CONCLUSION:
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those recipes that quietly becomes a family classic. It is simple yet memorable, hearty yet refined. Whether you are serving it up on a chilly autumn evening or for a casual gathering of friends, it promises comfort and deliciousness with every bite. I hope it finds a beloved spot at your table, just as it has at mine.
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Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Description
There are some dishes that simply wrap you in a warm, familiar hug from the very first bite, and Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is exactly one of those treasures. Growing up, Sunday dinners were always something to look forward to, a way to slow down and savor the weekend’s final moments with family around the table. This creamy, comforting chicken dish, nestled in a velvety cream cheese sauce and seasoned to perfection, often took center stage. It is a meal that brings back the aromas of home — buttery, savory, and just a little bit indulgent.
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken holds a special place in many kitchens because of its effortless charm. In many households, it’s been the go-to for everything from cozy fall dinners to a comforting dish dropped off for a neighbor in need. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it creates a meal that feels fancy enough for a gathering but simple enough for a Tuesday night. Each forkful, rich with creamy goodness, tells a story of hospitality, warmth, and the timeless pleasure of home-cooked food.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). It’s always cozy when the kitchen starts to fill with warmth even before you begin. Lightly grease a baking dish with a little olive oil.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, and season them on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and give the chicken a quick sear — about 2–3 minutes on each side — just until they develop a light golden color. This step locks in the juices and adds a little more flavor.
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, Italian dressing seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Stir until smooth and creamy. The mixture will smell absolutely delicious at this point, almost good enough to taste with a spoon (but resist — it gets even better).
Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the cream cheese mixture generously over each piece, ensuring they are blanketed in that luscious sauce.
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for about 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and golden at the edges.
Before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Notes
For an even richer flavor, you can add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.