Experience the ultimate comfort food indulgence with these Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts. This decadent dish features tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of three cheeses creates a luxurious coating that stays incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the baking process.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the consistency is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
- Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- For an irresistible golden-brown crust, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Variation
- Mediterranean Style: Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes and 1/3 cup kalamata olives to the cheese mixture for a Mediterranean twist
- Spicy Version: Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes or 1/3 cup diced jalapeños for a kick
- Vegetable Addition: Layer thinly sliced spinach or baby kale under the cheese topping for extra nutrition and color
Cooking Notes
- For best results, let cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth, lump-free texture
- Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer – chicken is perfectly done at 165°F (75°C) internal temperature
- Cover with foil for the first 20 minutes if the top is browning too quickly, then uncover for the final 10 minutes
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with garlic roasted asparagus and buttered rice for a complete meal
- Serve alongside cauliflower mash or creamy polenta to soak up the delicious cheese sauce
- Complement with a crisp Caesar salad or steamed green beans with almonds for a balanced plate
Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for uniform cooking and better cheese adherence
- Save time by preparing the cheese mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating until ready to use
- Double the recipe and freeze half for an easy make-ahead meal – thaw overnight before baking
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Sodium: 680mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe? Bone-in breasts work but will require longer cooking time (45-50 minutes) and may need adjusting the cheese coverage. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Can I prep this dish ahead of time? Yes! Assemble the dish completely and refrigerate covered for up to 24 hours. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
- What can I substitute for cream cheese? Greek yogurt or sour cream can work, though the texture will be less creamy. For dairy-free, try cashew cream or plant-based cream cheese.
Conclusion
This Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort. The combination of three cheeses creates a rich, indulgent sauce that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this reliable recipe guarantees perfectly moist chicken with a gloriously cheesy topping every time.
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Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food indulgence with these Baked Creamy Cheesy Chicken Breasts. This decadent dish features tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, velvety cheese sauce that’s guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The combination of three cheeses creates a luxurious coating that stays incredibly moist and flavorful throughout the baking process.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until the consistency is perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Arrange the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
- Generously spread the creamy cheese mixture over the top of each chicken breast, ensuring even coverage.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear.
- For an irresistible golden-brown crust, broil for 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture
- This dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad
- Chicken breasts of similar size will ensure even cooking
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat wonderfully in the oven
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with cheese sauce
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: baked chicken, cheesy chicken, creamy chicken breasts, easy dinner recipe, comfort food