Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and simple to make, this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is perfect! Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, creamy sauce that’s made with a handful of ingredients, and it’s perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something comforting yet easy to put together.

This Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is a surefire hit when you need a meal that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying. With a rich, savory sauce that coats each bite of tender chicken, this dish is perfect for impressing your family or guests with minimal effort. The best part? You can have it ready in just under an hour!

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The chicken breasts are baked in a flavorful, creamy sauce that’s easy to prepare, and baking the chicken ensures it stays moist and tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

2. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
• Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard. Allow the sauce to cook for another 2-3 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

3. Bake the Chicken:

• Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Chicken Breasts

• Don’t overbake: Chicken breasts can dry out easily if overcooked, so be sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
• Sear before baking: Searing the chicken gives it a beautiful golden color and helps lock in moisture, ensuring juicy results every time.
• Season well: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! The combination of garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper enhances the flavor of the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Baked Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect base for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Rice or quinoa: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• Steamed vegetables: Add some color to your plate with steamed broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
• Salad: A light, crisp salad balances out the richness of the creamy sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Refrigerating:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Freezing:

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.

Recipe Variations

• Cheesy Variation: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the chicken before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Spicy Creamy Chicken: If you like some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• Lemon Herb Chicken: Add a splash of lemon juice and sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the sauce for a fresh and herby flavor.

Conclusion

This Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and flavorful cream sauce. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this recipe is a must-try that will become a family favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly in this recipe and will remain juicy and tender when baked.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Store the prepared dish in the fridge and bake it when ready.
3. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out? Searing the chicken before baking helps lock in moisture, and baking it in the creamy sauce keeps it tender. Be sure not to overcook the chicken, and check its internal temperature with a thermometer.
4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, feel free to add veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
5. What can I serve with this creamy baked chicken? This dish goes well with mashed potatoes, rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Yield: 4

Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe

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If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s creamy, flavorful, and simple to make, this Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts Recipe is perfect! Tender chicken breasts are baked in a rich, creamy sauce that’s made with a handful of ingredients, and it’s perfect for a comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want something comforting yet easy to put together.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• For the Creamy Sauce:
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
• Rub the chicken with olive oil and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Sear the Chicken:

• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat.
• Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce:

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

5. Bake the Chicken:

• Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top of the chicken.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Serve:

• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.

Notes

Make it cheesy: You can add shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese on top of the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy topping.

Add vegetables: For a one-pan meal, add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the dish before baking.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.