If you love cheesy, creamy, and utterly comforting dishes, this Cheesy Creamy Chicken Bake is the perfect recipe for you! This dish features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce, baked to perfection, and topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese. It’s a simple yet decadent meal that will please the whole family. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a side of roasted veggies for a complete dinner.
This recipe is great for busy weeknights, potlucks, or even a cozy Sunday dinner. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a dish that tastes like a restaurant-quality meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize—add bacon, mushrooms, or even spinach for extra flavor.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Topping:
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for crisp topping)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or melted butter. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. (This step helps to lock in the juices.)
- Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, add the heavy cream, sour cream, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
- Whisk in the Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chicken broth.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and fully combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Dish
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional but Recommended!)
- If using, mix crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
- If desired, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end to get a golden-brown, bubbly cheese topping.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the cheesy creamy chicken bake rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and creamy dish pairs well with:
- Mashed potatoes or buttered noodles
- Steamed or roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, or green beans)
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- A crisp side salad for a refreshing contrast
Calories & Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
- Calories: ~600 per serving
- Protein: ~45g
- Fat: ~42g
- Carbs: ~10g
- Fiber: ~1g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
- Add more veggies: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use different cheeses: Try gouda, pepper jack, or Swiss for a unique taste.
- Keto-friendly version: Skip the breadcrumbs and use full-fat dairy products for a low-carb meal.
- Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Creamy Chicken Bake is the ultimate comfort food that is rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s a fantastic dish for busy families, as it’s easy to prepare and always a hit at the dinner table. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or veggies, this creamy, cheesy goodness will leave everyone wanting more!
Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! 🍗🧀💛