5-Ingredient Cream Cheese Chicken Bake – Easy, Creamy Weeknight Dinner

Introduction

When it comes to simple, comforting dinners that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor, the 5-Ingredient Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is hard to beat. Creamy, rich, and satisfying, this dish transforms basic pantry staples into a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that feels far more indulgent than its short ingredient list suggests.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just five ingredients, you can create a baked chicken dish that’s tender, flavorful, and smothered in a velvety cream cheese sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute dinners, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Cream cheese plays the starring role, melting into a luscious sauce that coats the chicken and keeps it juicy during baking. Combined with simple seasonings and a complementary ingredient like shredded cheese or soup mix, the result is creamy comfort food at its finest.

This recipe is also incredibly adaptable. You can serve it over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, or keep it low-carb by pairing it with roasted vegetables or a simple salad. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or looking for a no-fuss dinner, this creamy chicken bake delivers dependable results every time.

If you love easy casseroles and creamy chicken recipes, this one will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chicken broth

Preparation :
Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Spread Over Chicken

Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.

Step 5: Add Shredded Cheese

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese evenly on top.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 7: Rest

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Spoon extra creamy sauce over each portion before serving.

Variation

🌶 1. Spicy Version
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

🥓 2. Bacon Cream Cheese Chicken
Add cooked, crumbled bacon before baking.

🥦 3. Vegetable Boost
Add broccoli or spinach to the baking dish.

🍄 4. Mushroom Cream Chicken
Mix in sautéed mushrooms.

🧄 5. Garlic Parmesan Style
Add minced garlic and Parmesan cheese.

COOKING Note :

Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.

Do not overbake to prevent dryness.

Pound chicken evenly for uniform cooking.

Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Serving Suggestions :

Serve over white or brown rice

Pair with pasta or egg noodles

Serve with roasted vegetables

Add a side salad

Spoon over mashed potatoes

Tips :

Let cream cheese soften at room temperature.

Cover with foil if browning too quickly.

Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.

Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.

Freeze cooked portions up to 2 months.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information :

(Approximate per serving)
Calories: ~420
Protein: ~40 g
Sodium: ~750 mg

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, boneless thighs work well and stay juicy.

2. Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I make this low-carb?

It’s naturally low-carb; serve with vegetables.

4. Can I freeze it before baking?

Yes, but thaw completely before cooking.

5. How do I know the chicken is done?

Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

The 5-Ingredient Cream Cheese Chicken Bake proves that simple recipes can still deliver rich, satisfying flavor. Creamy, tender, and incredibly easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. With minimal prep and endless customization options, it’s a dependable recipe you’ll turn to again and again.

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