Description
A quick, creamy, and cheesy baked chicken dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich garlic herb sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a healthy yet indulgent weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place chicken breasts between plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and extra Italian seasoning if desired.
- Heat butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove chicken from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan to the skillet. Whisk constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken breasts to the skillet, nesting them into the sauce. Spoon sauce over the top and sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken.
- Transfer skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken breasts are pounded to an even thickness for consistent cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to avoid steaming the chicken. Soften cream cheese beforehand to prevent a grainy sauce. If using a non-stick skillet, use gentle utensils. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the dairy sauce may separate upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
- Calories: 475
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 38
Keywords: chicken recipe, creamy chicken, easy dinner, weeknight meals, healthy comfort food, baked chicken, gluten-free dinner