Description
A creamy and flavorful baked chicken dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts topped with a rich cream cheese, Parmesan, and chicken broth sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a comforting low-carb, gluten-free main course, with a golden browned finish and optional fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and set aside for later use to ensure the chicken does not stick.
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Evenly season both sides of each breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to infuse the meat with flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust. The chicken should not be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Coat the Chicken: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast, covering them completely with the sauce.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Brown the Top: Remove the foil and return the dish to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown and slightly crisp the top layer of the sauce, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the cream cheese sauce before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American