Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken
This creamy baked chicken dish features tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a garlic cream cheese sauce, with an optional cheesy topping. Perfect for a comforting dinner served with your favorite sides.

INGREDIENTS:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic minced

1/2 cup chicken broth

8 oz cream cheese softened

1 tbsp fresh chives chopped

1 tsp paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese optional, for topping

fresh parsley optional, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Add softened cream cheese and stir until smooth. Add fresh chives and season with salt and pepper.
Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and pour the cream cheese mixture over them. Optionally, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using cheese, broil for the last 2-3 minutes to brown the topping.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.