If you’re looking for a dinner that’s sure to impress, but couldn’t be easier to throw together, then Creamy Baked Chicken is your new best friend. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts with a dreamy, creamy topping that is both comforting and a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so wonderfully irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy Comfort: The blend of cream cheese and mayonnaise creates a rich, indulgent topping that takes chicken to a whole new level.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
- Family Friendly: This dish is perfect for pleasing both kids and adults with its familiar flavors and satisfying texture.
- Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients already in your pantry!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the easiest part, as you’ll only need a handful that pack in a ton of flavor. Each one is integral in creating that creamy texture and savory taste that defines our Creamy Baked Chicken.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: The perfect canvas for soaking up all the creamy flavors we’ll add.
- Cream cheese: At room temperature, it mixes seamlessly into our sauce for a lush consistency.
- Mayonnaise: Adds tang and extra creaminess, making the topping irresistible.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Lends a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess beautifully.
- Garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic undertone that infuses the dish.
- Paprika: Not only for color but a delicate, peppery hint that enhances the overall taste.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Delivers that delightful crunch on top, contrasting the creamy underneath.
- Dried parsley: For a touch of herbaceousness that brightens every bite.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to shake things up! This recipe is just a base upon which you can build depending on your preference or dietary needs. Let’s take a look at how you can easily adapt this Creamy Baked Chicken for new and exciting flavors.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the cream mixture for a spicy twist.
- Herb Lover’s Delight: Mix fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the cream mixture for an aromatic lift.
How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F. Take your chicken breasts and gently pound them between two sheets of plastic wrap. This will ensure they cook evenly. Once done, season them with a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper before laying them flat in a baking dish.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth. Spread this luxurious mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Top with panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley, ensuring a crispy finish to your dish.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Baked Chicken
- Optimal Oven Temperature: Preheating your oven to exactly 425 degrees F ensures the chicken stays juicy while the creamy topping caramelizes perfectly.
- Uneven Thickness: Ensure each chicken breast is evenly pounded; this prevents the edges from drying out before the center is cooked.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to mix easily for a perfectly smooth topping.
- Breadcrumb Crunch: For extra crunch, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs in a pan before adding them to the chicken.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Baked Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley for a burst of color and fresh, earthy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs superbly with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a light, lemony arugula salad. The potatoes soak up the creamy sauce while the salad offers a refreshing counterpoint.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, carve the chicken into thick slices before serving. Arrange them on a platter in a slightly fanned-out manner and drizzle a bit of the sauce over the top for a restaurant-quality look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover creamy baked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days, so it’s perfect for meal prepping.
Freezing
You can freeze the baked chicken by wrapping it tightly in foil and storing it in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to consume within two months for optimal flavor and texture retention.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Cover with foil to prevent the top from getting too browned while warming through.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will offer an even juicier result, just adjust the baking time as they may need a little longer to cook fully.
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What can I use instead of cream cheese?
If you don’t have cream cheese, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt might work as alternative options. They’ll add a slightly different flavor profile but maintain the creamy texture.
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How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165 degrees F.
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Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cheese, paired with a plant-based mayonnaise, to recreate a similar creamy topping.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this Creamy Baked Chicken is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple, versatile, and oh-so-delicious. Go ahead, give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Print
Creamy Baked Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy baked chicken recipe features tender boneless breasts coated in a luscious cheese and mayonnaise mixture, topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs and fresh parsley. Perfectly baked to tender perfection, it’s an easy and flavorful main dish that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast (about 4 medium breasts, 1/2 pound each)
Sauces and Seasonings
- 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Breadcrumbs and Herbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- Fresh minced parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a large baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prepare chicken: Gently pound the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap to ensure even thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Season: Arrange the chicken breasts in the baking dish and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Make cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika until well combined.
- Apply cheese mixture: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs and dried parsley evenly over the top of the cheese-coated chicken breasts.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden. Cooking time may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with freshly minced parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- You can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
