Description
This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts, a garlic-herb cream cheese topping, and a crispy parmesan crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal prep!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Cream Cheese Topping:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Place chicken in the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella until smooth.
- Spread the mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 3: Add the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the cream cheese-covered chicken.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
- If the topping isn’t golden brown, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or pasta.
Notes
- No panko? Use crushed Ritz crackers or omit for a softer texture.
- Want extra flavor? Add chopped cooked bacon or spinach to the cream cheese mixture.
- Make it Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.