Description
An easy and delicious baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a creamy cheese sauce, seasoned with garlic, chives, and optional cheddar topping for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, stirring and scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze it. Allow the broth to cook for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir continuously until it melts and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the chopped fresh chives and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken.
- If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you added cheese and want it browned, you can broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving warm with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and skip the cheddar topping.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for safety.