Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter, for searing
Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- ½ cup fresh spinach (optional), chopped or thawed and drained if frozen
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly sear the chicken breasts until they are golden on both sides but not fully cooked through. This helps seal in the flavors and ensures a juicy finish after baking.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, grated Parmesan, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended. If using spinach, fold it into the mixture now for added color and nutrients.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the partially cooked chicken breasts evenly in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over each piece, ensuring a generous layer that will melt and create a luscious sauce during baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, the topping is bubbly, and slightly golden. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety and tenderness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful before slicing or serving.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature before mixing for a smooth sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the chicken.
- Sear chicken evenly on both sides for optimal flavor and texture.
- Freshly minced garlic greatly enhances the flavor compared to powdered garlic.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to lock in moisture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
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