If you’re being pulled by a cozy dinner recipe due to its creaminess, yes, you must try the Baked Cream Cheese Chicken! And so goes a meltingly tender chicken fillet covered in a garlic, lemon juice, and herb sated cream cheese sauce-quite a recipe for dinner for the busy weeknights which would delude your guests, who would love vegetables or rice or pasta or bread, crusty and crack! It’s way too easy to be played down! So follow the step-by-step guide down below.
First things first, let’s jump into the mouth-watering convenience of this Baked Chicken dish!
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Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or chives, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray or extra oil for greasing the baking dish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, onion powder, salt, and chopped parsley or chives.
- Mix Well: Use a hand mixer or a spoon to mix until the ingredients are well combined and smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture: Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. The mixture will keep the chicken moist while baking.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil or Butter: Drizzle the chicken with a bit of olive oil or melted butter to help with browning and add a rich flavor.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaches an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C) and the top is golden and bubbly.
- Check for Doneness: To check if the chicken is done, cut into the thickest part of the breast to make sure there is no pink and the juices run clear.
- Broil for Extra Browning: For a golden, bubbly top, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Garnish: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with extra chopped parsley or chives for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Serve the baked cream cheese chicken with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips:
For serving: You can have it with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or maybe creamy mashed potatoes to fill the plate.
For storing: Any leftovers go right into an airtight container and into the refrigerator for three days. On reheating, put it into the oven and warm it through at 350°F (175°C) for roughly 10 minutes. Another way is the microwave, but it might not as well keep its crispiness.
Helpful Notes:
Soften Cream Cheese: Before combining, let the cream cheese soften well. It will make the cream cheese lump-free and easily spreadable on chicken.
Vegetables: For some richness of taste and nutrition, one may add spinach, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes to the dish.
Alternate Cheeses: You can use cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack in place of mozzarella for a different taste.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs:
According to Giada De Laurentiis, one should grate Parmesan just before usage for a fresher, intense flavor.
Ina Garten said that the marinating the chicken beforehand in lemon juice and olive oil really enhances the depth of flavor.
Jamie Oliver, for his part, suggests serving garlic bread on the side to soak up the tasty sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can thigh chicken be used in place of breast?
Yes, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Change the baking time to make sure the thighs are cooked through (around 35-40 minutes).
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, before time. Make the cream cheese mixture and assemble up to 24 hours in advance. Have the dish chilled, covered, in the fridge before baking.
Can I freeze the dish?
Best eaten fresh, yet this dish is indeed freezable. Bake the chicken according to the recipe, allow to cool thoroughly, then wrap it tight for freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge yoga and then heat in the oven.
What are good sides with baked cream cheese chicken?
Perfect sides of this chicken dinner include lightly steamed or roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, pasta, or a simple side salad.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Certainly. Feel free to toss in some low-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese without any much change in texture or flavor.
How to make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, chopped jalapeños, or some hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
To keep the chicken from drying out:
Coating the chicken with the cream-cheese mixture will help preserve moisture. Do not make it dry, testing doneness with a meat thermometer.
Can I make the dish dairy-free?
Yes, dairy-free cream cheese, yogurt, and shredded cheeses can all be used in this dish to make it friendly for dietary restrictions.
Can herbs be added to the cream cheese mixture?
Sure can! Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary will definitely get the tastebuds going.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Most of it is naturally gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels for gluten cross-contamination, as on such in pre-shredded cheeses.
Conclusion:
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken is like a special little comfort cake through the evening light or horrid storm night. With layers of rich sauce and creamy cheese boiled from those bits of moist, juicy chicken fillets, the balance of textures and flavors promises satisfaction for those with well-post taste. A quick preparation prefix is easy for a full-size version. It will be that special, all-together tasty stand-by recipe that comes to mind very often when you need to put something delicious on the dinner table. Enjoy preparing this lovely recipe for some of your distant relatives, family members, and neighbors alike and bring every dinner to one which is very special!
