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Creamy Baked Chicken Delight

This delectable baked chicken dish features juicy chicken topped with a rich, garlicky cream sauce and a buttery golden breadcrumb crust, perfect for impressing the whole table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs total)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Golden Crust Topping
  • 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Method
 

Preparation of Chicken
  1. Take the chicken breasts out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature.
  2. Pat each breast completely dry using paper towels to remove surface moisture.
  3. Mix together garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Drizzle olive oil over both sides of each chicken breast and rub the spice blend all over.
  5. If the chicken breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to create thinner cutlets.
Searing the Chicken
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
  3. Sear the chicken breasts for exactly 2 minutes per side.
Making the Creamy Sauce
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Beat until completely smooth.
  2. Add minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, and mix until fully combined.
  3. Fold in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan until well mixed.
Layering the Sauce Over Chicken
  1. Spoon the cream sauce evenly over each seared chicken breast in the baking dish.
  2. Spread it right to the edges to ensure every bite has the creamy goodness.
Preparing the Golden Breadcrumb Crust
  1. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Stir until breadcrumbs are evenly coated with melted butter.
  3. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the top of the cream sauce layer on each chicken breast.
Baking
  1. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and the topping is golden brown.
  2. If the topping browns too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil during the remaining bake time.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead by assembling the dish up to the breadcrumb topping stage and refrigerating it. Add the topping fresh before baking.