Tender, juicy chicken breasts baked in a rich, creamy garlic sauce and topped with plenty of melted cheese. This easy comfort-food dinner is simple enough for a weeknight but delicious enough for guests.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
For the creamy cheese sauce:
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional:
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup fresh spinach
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Prepare the chicken
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If the chicken breasts are very thick, gently pound them to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season the chicken
Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sear the chicken
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well.
Add the cream cheese
Add the softened cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and smooth.
Stir in the Parmesan, ½ cup mozzarella, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thickened.
Add optional vegetables
If using mushrooms or spinach, stir them into the sauce and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Combine everything
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over the top.
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly over the chicken.
Bake
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 18–25 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Broil for a golden top
For an extra golden and bubbly cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes. Watch carefully so the cheese doesn’t burn.
Rest and serve
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings:
Calories: 610 kcal
Protein: 55 g
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Fat: 40 g
Saturated Fat: 22 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 850 mg
Cholesterol: 190 mg
Nutrition will vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, cheese, cream, and other ingredients used.
Nut & Allergen Information
Contains dairy from butter, heavy cream, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Naturally nut-free when prepared with nut-free ingredients.
Naturally egg-free.
Gluten-free when using certified gluten-free broth and seasonings.
For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese, cream, and shredded cheese alternatives.
Check packaged ingredients for possible cross-contamination if you have severe allergies.
Helpful Tips
Pound thick chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
Don’t overcook the chicken; use a meat thermometer and remove it once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than many pre-shredded varieties.
Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes helps keep it juicy.
Add spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
For a richer garlic flavor, add an additional clove or two of roasted garlic.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and tend to stay especially juicy. Cook until they reach at least 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I make this without searing the chicken?
A: Yes. Place the seasoned raw chicken directly into the baking dish, pour the sauce around it, add the cheese, and bake until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Searing simply adds extra flavor.
Q: Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
A: Absolutely. Cheddar gives the dish a sharper, richer flavor. A mozzarella-cheddar combination is also delicious.
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes. You can prepare the sauce and season the chicken ahead of time. For best texture, assemble and bake close to serving time.
Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze creamy baked chicken?
A: You can, although creamy sauces may separate slightly after thawing. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.
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