Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless chicken breasts, 4-6 oz each
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated, divided
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
Seasonings
- 1 Tablespoon garlic, crushed (about 3 large cloves)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken evenly.
- Prepare Cheese Topping: In a small bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese and half of the grated parmesan cheese. Set aside; this mixture will top the chicken later.
- Mix Cream Cheese Filling: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly stir together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, crushed garlic, salt, and black pepper. Once smooth and combined, fold in the remaining half of the grated parmesan cheese.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring that they lie flat and do not overlap. This helps them cook evenly.
- Apply Cream Cheese Mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese and sour cream mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it with the back of a spoon to cover the entire top surface of each piece.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the reserved mozzarella and parmesan cheese mixture evenly on top of the cream cheese layer on each chicken breast. Press lightly to help the cheese adhere during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and golden. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the creamy garlic parmesan chicken hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking; pound them slightly if needed.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
- Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American