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Cream Cheese Chicken Bake with Cheddar and Ranch Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 71 reviews
  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and creamy oven-baked dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts smothered in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch dressing, and chicken broth. Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper, then seared to a golden brown before baking, this comforting dish is perfect for an easy yet indulgent dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Cooking Fat

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken later.
  2. Season Chicken: Season both sides of the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper to infuse them with flavor.
  3. Heat Skillet: Place a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add the tablespoon of olive oil, heating it until hot but not smoking.
  4. Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
  5. Set Aside Chicken: Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a plate to rest temporarily while preparing the sauce.
  6. Reduce Heat: Lower the skillet heat to medium to prepare for melting the cream cheese sauce ingredients.
  7. Make Sauce Base: Add the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir continuously to melt the cream cheese and create a smooth sauce.
  8. Add Cheddar Cheese: Once the base sauce is smooth, add the shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to stir until it melts completely and blends into the sauce for richness.
  9. Return Chicken to Skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the creamy cheese sauce over each piece to coat them well.
  10. Bake Chicken: Transfer the oven-safe skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
  11. Remove and Serve: Carefully remove the skillet from the oven and serve the chicken breasts hot with the creamy sauce spooned generously over the top.

Notes

  • Use an oven-safe skillet or transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing if your skillet is not oven-safe.
  • Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • For a thicker sauce, simmer the sauce on the stovetop a few minutes longer before adding the chicken back in.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Find it online: https://fasttastykitchen.com/cream-cheese-chicken-bake-with-cheddar-and-ranch-recipe/