This Baked Cream Cheese Chicken recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meal that's both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. Featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a rich cream cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special gathering. It’s also low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a healthy choice without sacrificing taste. Add your favorite sides, and you have a well-rounded, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• Olive oil (for coating)

For the Cream Cheese Topping:

• 8 oz cream cheese (softened)

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise or sour cream

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

For the Crunchy Topping (optional):

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated)

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Prep the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish.

2. Make the Cream Cheese Topping:
   In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Evenly spread this mixture over each chicken breast.

3. Add the Crunchy Topping:
   If you’re adding the crunchy topping, mix the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this topping evenly over the cream cheese-covered chicken breasts.

4. Bake the Chicken:
   Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). If the topping isn’t golden brown, broil for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end for a crispy finish.

5. Serve & Garnish:
   Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm with your choice of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Nutritional Information:

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes