Description
Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a mouthwatering dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory goodness of baked chicken. This easy-to-prepare recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With its irresistible creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s no wonder this dish has become a fan favorite among home cooks.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375 °F and lightly grease a baking dish. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, whisk together the chicken broth and cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning to your taste. Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Place the seared chicken in the prepared baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over the top. Bake the dish uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F.
4. Once the Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is out of the oven, garnish it with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve this delicious dish warm and enjoy the combination of tender chicken and the rich, creamy sauce.
Notes
Searing the chicken before baking is a crucial step in this recipe, as it helps to lock in the juices and create a beautiful golden-brown crust. Additionally, whisking the cream cheese into the chicken broth ensures a smooth, creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, be sure to simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. This will prevent the sauce from becoming too thin or runny when baked.
Common mistakes to avoid when preparing Cream Cheese Chicken Bake include overcooking the chicken, which can result in a dry, tough texture, and not allowing the sauce to thicken sufficiently before baking. By following the recipe closely and keeping an eye on the cooking time, you can ensure a delicious, perfectly cooked dish every time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 600 milligrams
- Fat: 25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 40 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 milligrams