Simple Baked Cream Cheese Chicken (The Weeknight Win You’ll Actually Crave)
I whipped up this Baked Cream Cheese Chicken last night, and it reminded me why it’s my absolute favorite “lazy” dinner. It’s creamy, savory, and has that golden-brown cheese crust that makes you feel like you actually tried. My kids usually pick at their food, but they cleared their plates so fast I almost didn’t get seconds. A rare and beautiful victory for a Tuesday night.
This dish looks like a fancy casserole, but it’s shockingly low-effort. No searing, no heavy prep, and definitely no dry chicken. The cream cheese creates a built-in sauce that keeps everything juicy while it bakes. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug but fits perfectly into a hectic weeknight schedule.
Simple Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra crunch
Instructions
1) Preheat Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2) Prepare the Chicken Place the chicken breasts in the prepared dish. If they are very thick, pound them to an even thickness or slice them in half lengthwise to ensure they cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
3) Make the Creamy Topping In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, and dried oregano. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
4) Layer and Bake Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the shredded cheese (and Parmesan, if using) over the top. Dust with smoked paprika.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5) Serve Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with roasted broccoli, rice, or pasta to soak up that extra cream cheese sauce.
Why This Chicken Is the Best
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No pre-searing: Everything happens in the oven.
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Impossible to dry out: The cream cheese acts as a protective “blanket.”
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One dish: Minimal cleanup means more time for yourself.
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Kid-friendly: It’s basically the “comfort food” version of chicken nuggets.
Tips for Success
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Room temp cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is truly soft so it spreads easily.
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Don’t overcook: Check the temperature at 20 minutes; chicken breasts can go from juicy to tough quickly.
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Broil at the end: If the cheese isn’t golden, pop the broiler on for 1–2 minutes.
Easy Variations
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Buffalo Style: Mix 2 tbsp buffalo sauce into the cream cheese.
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Bacon & Chive: Stir chopped cooked bacon and fresh chives into the topping.
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Jalapeño Popper: Add diced canned jalapeños to the cream cheese mix.
FAQ – Cream Cheese Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Use boneless, skinless thighs and increase the bake time by about 5–10 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. You can prep the chicken and topping in the dish, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is it keto-friendly?
It sure is! This is a naturally low-carb, high-protein meal.
Why is there liquid in the bottom of the pan?
Chicken naturally releases juices as it bakes. Stir those juices into the melted cream cheese to create a delicious gravy!
