Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing chicken dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly cheesy, this Baked Cream Cheese chicken is calling your name. With a luscious cream cheese filling tucked inside juicy chicken breasts, this recipe transforms a simple dinner into a special occasion—yet it’s easy enough for any weeknight. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cream Cheese chicken
- Creamy texture and rich flavor guarantee every bite is satisfying.
- Super easy to prepare—minimal cleanup and quick hands-on time.
- Family-friendly; even picky eaters go back for seconds.
- Perfect for meal prep or entertaining guests.
- Versatile—change the filling or toppings to fit any craving!
Ingredients for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–7 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
How to Make Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Step-By-Step Directions
1. Prep the Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of olive oil or non-stick spray.
- Carefully use a sharp knife to slice a pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
3. Stuff the Chicken
- Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the chicken pockets, stuffing them fully. Use toothpicks to secure the edges, if needed.
4. Sear and Assemble
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden (this boosts flavor and locks in juices).
- Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish.
5. Add Crunch (Optional)
- Sprinkle the tops with panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy finish.
6. Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 23–28 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks and garnish with extra parsley.
Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Notes for Perfect Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature to make mixing easy.
- Searing the chicken first adds tons of flavor—don’t skip this quick step!
- You can assemble in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Variations: Fun Twists on Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Spinach & Artichoke: Stir chopped baby spinach and diced artichoke hearts into the cream cheese mixture.
- Bacon Ranch: Mix chopped cooked bacon and a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the filling.
- Spicy Jalapeño Popper: Add diced pickled jalapeños and some shredded cheddar for a little kick.
Required Equipment for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Large skillet
- Toothpicks (optional, for sealing)
Storage Instructions for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through.
- Not recommended for freezing, as creamy filling may separate.
Serving Recommendations for Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Pair with buttered green beans, rice pilaf, or a crisp tossed salad.
- Serve over pasta for an extra-cozy meal.
- Try it with oven-roasted vegetables for a nutritious side.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Use a digital instant-read thermometer to ensure perfect doneness (see safe chicken temperatures).
- Don’t overstuff the chicken, as the filling may ooze out during baking.
- Let the chicken rest after baking for juicy, tender results.
FAQ: Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Just use boneless, skinless thighs and adjust bake time as needed. - Is it possible to make this dish ahead?
Absolutely—assemble and refrigerate, then bake right before serving. - How do I keep the cream cheese filling from leaking out?
Secure the edges with toothpicks and avoid overfilling for best results.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil.
-
2In a bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well blended.
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3Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
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4Drizzle with olive oil and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
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5Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the topping is golden.
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6Garnish with extra parsley if desired and serve hot.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
410 caloriescal
Protein:
43gg
Fat:
24gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
4gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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