There’s something magical about a dish that brings together creamy comfort and savory crunch in one bite. Baked Cream Cheese Chicken does exactly that—and then some. With juicy, seasoned chicken breasts smothered in a garlic-herb cream cheese blend and topped with a golden parmesan crust, this is one dinner that never fails to impress.
I remember the first time I tried a version of this dish at a friend’s potluck—it was love at first bite. I went home and immediately recreated it, adding a few personal touches from my kitchen. It’s now a go-to in our weeknight rotation, and it’s especially handy when I need a meal that’s rich in flavor but light on prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple steps
- Ultra Creamy: The cheese blend keeps the chicken moist and tender
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters go back for seconds
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Reheats beautifully and makes great leftovers
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:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place them in the baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Topping
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Top the Chicken
Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast, smoothing it with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Crust
In a small bowl, stir together panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
Step 5: Bake
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—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
What to Serve with Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
This rich, cheesy main dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Roasted Vegetables – like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Mashed Potatoes – for an ultra-comforting plate
- Garlic Butter Pasta – toss spaghetti with olive oil and garlic
- Cauliflower Rice – for a low-carb option
- Simple Green Salad – to balance the richness
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Use chicken thighs for an extra-juicy version
- Add herbs like fresh thyme or basil to the topping
- Spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes
- Swap cheeses with Gruyère, fontina, or provolone for variety
- Make it keto by skipping the panko topping
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave on medium or bake at 350°F until heated through
Why It Works
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is the kind of recipe that feels luxurious but doesn’t require a culinary degree to make. The cream cheese mixture keeps the chicken moist and packed with flavor, while the parmesan-panko topping adds a delightful crunch that elevates every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or feeding your family, this is a guaranteed hit.
The Goods
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
We appreciate you taking the time to rate!
Recipes
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:
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for added crunch
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place them in the baking dish.
Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Top the Chicken
- Spread the cream cheese mixture generously over each chicken breast, smoothing it with a spatula.
Step 4: Add the Crunchy Crust
- In a small bowl, stir together panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the chicken.
Step 5: Bake
- 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—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Step 6: Rest and Garnish
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh finish.
Leave a Reply