Experience tender chicken breasts seared and smothered with a rich blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fragrant seasonings. The entire dish comes together easily, starting on the stovetop for a golden crust before baking in the oven to achieve gooey, bubbly cheese perfection. The topping locks in moisture, while herbs like garlic, onion, and Italian seasoning infuse every bite. A quick garnish of parsley brightens the flavors and adds freshness. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or salad for a simple yet satisfying meal that balances creamy, savory notes with ease of preparation.
Creamy cheesy and incredibly comforting this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes everyone at the table happy The combo of tender chicken and a rich melty topping comes together with just a handful of kitchen basics but tastes like something special
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show Look for plump and evenly sized pieces for even cooking
- Cream cheese softened: Brings creamy tangy texture Full fat works best for richness
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey melt Select whole milk mozzarella for best stretch
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty nutty depth Freshly grated beats prepackaged for flavor
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the savory notes Choose a fresh smelling powder
- Onion powder: Adds gentle sweetness Check the expiration date for potency
- Dried Italian seasoning: Infuses herby aroma Blend of basil oregano and thyme
- Salt: Brings all flavors together Use kosher salt for even seasoning
- Black pepper: A peppery punch Fresh cracked is always best
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional but brightens up the finished dish Go for tender leafy sprigs
- Olive oil: For searing Opt for extra virgin for flavor
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit so it is ready when you finish prepping This ensures the chicken bakes evenly and the cheese topping melts perfectly
- Make the Cream Cheese Spread:
- In a medium bowl thoroughly mix softened cream cheese shredded mozzarella grated Parmesan garlic powder onion powder and Italian seasoning Make sure to break up any lumps so the spread is completely smooth This will melt evenly on the chicken
- Season and Prepare Chicken:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels for best sear and season both sides evenly with salt and black pepper Dry chicken helps create a flavorful golden crust
- Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium high Place chicken breasts in the hot oil Sear each side for about three to four minutes until deeply golden This step locks in juices
- Spread the Cheese Mixture:
- Take the skillet off the heat Use a spoon or spatula to evenly coat each chicken breast with the cream cheese spread Press gently so the topping sticks well to each piece
- Bake the Chicken:
- Move the skillet to the preheated oven and bake about twenty to twenty five minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheesy layer is bubbly and golden brown Insert a thermometer into the thickest part to check for doneness at one sixty five degrees Fahrenheit
- Rest and Finish:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes so the juices redistribute Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving if using This makes the dish beautiful and adds a hint of freshness
