Description
This Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a cozy, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a velvety cream cheese sauce and topped with bubbling cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect easy dinner for two that feels special yet fuss-free.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 8 oz each)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Chopped cooked bacon (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. If thick, slice in half horizontally for even cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, milk, mayonnaise, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Place chicken breasts in an 8×8-inch baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each breast.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the cream cheese layer. Add chopped green onion or bacon if desired.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F) and cheese is golden and bubbly. If cheese browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
- Let the chicken bake rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash more milk. If watery, bake uncovered for a few extra minutes. If chicken is not cooked, cover with foil and bake another 5 minutes.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for best results. Slice chicken breasts for even cooking. Mozzarella is classic, but cheddar or pepper jack can be used for variety. Let dish rest before serving to thicken sauce. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated or frozen. For a crispy top, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (half the recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 36
Keywords: cream cheese chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, casserole, comfort food, gluten-free, low carb, dinner for two