Description
This Mouthwatering Cream Cheese Chicken aka Creamy Dreamy Chicken Delight is a rich, ultra-comforting baked chicken dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a tangy, cheesy ranch and cream cheese topping that bakes up golden, bubbly, and irresistibly creamy. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight, yet indulgent enough to serve to guests with almost no extra effort.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish large enough to hold the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth, creamy, and well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pat them dry with paper towels, then season lightly with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering them from end to end.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C) and the topping is golden, hot, and bubbly.
- Carefully remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture, but reduced-fat will still work if you prefer a lighter version.
- Softening the cream cheese fully (room temperature) makes it much easier to mix and spread evenly over the chicken.
- Chicken breast thickness can affect cooking time thicker pieces may need a few extra minutes, while thinner ones may cook faster.
- Letting the chicken rest before serving helps the juices redistribute so every bite stays tender and moist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal (approximate)
- Sugar: 2 g (approximate)
- Sodium: 850 mg (approximate, varies with ranch and cheese)
- Fat: 30 g (approximate)
- Saturated Fat: 16 g (approximate)
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g (approximate)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approximate)
- Carbohydrates: 5 g (approximate)
- Fiber: 0 g (approximate)
- Protein: 34 g (approximate)
- Cholesterol: 140 mg (approximate)
Keywords: cream cheese chicken, creamy baked chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken bake, easy weeknight dinner