Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and often stay even more tender. Just adjust your cooking time slightly as thighs might cook faster depending on their size.

My cream cheese mixture is too thick to spread easily. What should I do?

If your cream cheese isn't spreading easily, you have a couple of options. You can microwave it for 15-20 seconds to soften it, add a tablespoon of milk or sour cream to thin it slightly, or just let it sit at room temperature a bit longer.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, you might need to add about 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you're starting with cold ingredients.

What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?

If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts dried basil, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of marjoram if you have it. Alternatively, you can simply use any dried herbs you enjoy.

Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe

Name: Creamy Garlic Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup cream cheese (softened preferred); 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (use 1/2 teaspoon for milder flavor); 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Description

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a quick and delicious baked main course featuring juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, cheesy garlic cream sauce. With a blend of Italian cheeses and simple seasonings, this family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, delivering bold flavors and a satisfyingly creamy texture.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Garlic Topping

1 cup cream cheese (softened preferred)
1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (use 1/2 teaspoon for milder flavor)

For Topping

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Make the Creamy Garlic Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Italian blend cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Arrange the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper as desired.
Spread the Cream Mixture: Evenly distribute the garlic cream cheese mixture over the top of each chicken breast using a spatula, covering them completely for full flavor.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Add Cheddar and Finish Baking: Remove the foil from the dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the chicken breasts. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is bubbly.
Serve: Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes before serving to let the juices redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Notes

For a crispier cheese topping, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes after adding the cheddar cheese.
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or cheese blends to lighten the dish.
Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish for added flavor and color.
This recipe works well with chicken thighs or tenders too—just adjust baking time as needed.
Serve with steamed vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
Calories: 480
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 640mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 49g
Cholesterol: 160mg