Ingredients You’ll Need

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or sour cream (optional, for an extra silky sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Cream Cheese Baked Chicken – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel—this helps them brown and prevents excess moisture.

Drizzle them lightly with olive oil, then season both sides with:

• Salt
• Pepper
• Paprika

Lay them in a baking dish in a single layer.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, mix together:

• Softened cream cheese
• Garlic
• Onion powder
• Thyme (or Italian seasoning)
• Mozzarella (or parmesan)
• Mayonnaise/sour cream (if using)

Stir until smooth and creamy.
This mixture should be thick but spreadable.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Generously

Spoon the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
Use the back of the spoon or a spatula to spread it evenly over the surface.

Make sure the chicken is completely coated—this keeps it tender and juicy while baking.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–40 minutes, depending on the thickness of your chicken.

The sauce will:

• Melt
• Bubble
• Turn lightly golden around the edges

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.
The cream cheese sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions

This indulgent chicken pairs beautifully with:

✔ Mashed potatoes – perfect for scooping up the sauce

✔ Steamed or roasted vegetables – broccoli, carrots, or zucchini

✔ Buttered noodles or alfredo pasta

✔ Rice or creamy risotto

✔ Garlic bread for a full comfort-food experience

Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Baked Chicken

Use softened cream cheese

Cold cream cheese doesn’t spread well, so leave it at room temp for 20–30 minutes.

Don’t skip the resting time

This helps the creamy topping set and prevents the sauce from running.

Try different cheeses

Parmesan adds sharpness, cheddar adds richness, mozzarella adds stretch.

Add heat if you like spice

Try adding red pepper flakes, cayenne, or a spicy cream cheese blend.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Baked Chicken is proof that simple ingredients can create an irresistibly rich and satisfying meal. With minimal prep and a short bake time, you get a dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and perfect for both cozy nights in and special occasions.

If you’d like, I can also provide:

• A printable recipe version
• A low-carb or high-protein variation
• A budget-friendly version
• A version using chicken thighs

Just let me know!