This recipe uses common pantry ingredients and makes a creamy sauce that stays on the chicken. It cooks fast and feels special. If you enjoy quick chicken ideas, try an easy air fryer version for a change at air fryer chicken bites recipe.
Why make this recipe
This dish gives you tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. It cooks in one dish and needs little work. Families like it because it is mild and cheesy. You can make it any night.
How to make Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
Preheat the oven and mix the sauce. Place the chicken in a dish, pour the sauce over, and add cheese. Bake until the chicken is done and the top bubbles. For a simple meal, serve it with a baked potato or roasted vegetables, such as the grilled baked potato idea found at grilled baked potato side dish.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or parmesan)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary)
Directions :
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cream mixture over them.
- Top with grated cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to serve Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
Slice the chicken and spoon the sauce over each piece. Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a green salad. The sauce also works well with steamed vegetables. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.
How to store Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. To freeze, use a freezer-safe container and keep up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to make Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
- Pound the chicken to even thickness so it cooks evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer; the safe internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- If the sauce is thin, bake a little longer uncovered to reduce it.
- For a meal mix, try other protein ideas like the simple chicken and shrimp combo.
Variation
- Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce before baking.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half plus a little flour for a lighter sauce.
- Use different cheeses: cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix.
- Add lemon zest or a splash of white wine for a brighter flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken?
A: Yes, but increase the baking time and check the temperature to reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to thicken.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours. Bake when you are ready.
Conclusion
This creamy baked chicken is simple, comforting, and good for weeknights. For another take on this dish, see the detailed version at Jo Cooks creamy baked chicken breasts recipe. If you want a similar baked chicken idea, check the creamy chicken bake at 100KRecipes creamy chicken bake. For a cream sauce with mushrooms that pairs well with chicken, try the recipe at RecipeTin Eats creamy mushroom sauce.
Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Pound to even thickness for even cooking.
- 1 cup heavy cream Can be substituted with half-and-half plus a little flour for a lighter sauce.
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated cheese (e.g., mozzarella or parmesan) Other cheese options: cheddar, Gruyère, or a mix.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (e.g., thyme or rosemary)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the cream mixture over them.
- Top with grated cheese.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.