Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Breast
This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food! With a golden, juicy chicken breast smothered in a rich, creamy sauce, it's easy to prepare and impresses every time. The chicken is seared for a crispy finish, then baked to perfection with a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic. This dish is perfect for any night of the week—whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion. And, it’s quick, flavorful, and makes great leftovers!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream you can substitute with half-and-half or milk for a lighter option
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or use rosemary for a different flavor
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped (optional, for garnish)
- This recipe is super flexible but feel free to adjust the seasonings or use what you have on hand!
Instructions
How to Cook Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
Preheat your oven
- Set that oven to 375°F (190°C). Let it warm up while you get everything ready.
Season the chicken
- Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel (this helps them cook better). Rub them with a little olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried thyme (or rosemary). Get a nice, even coating!
Sear the chicken (optional, but worth it)
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. This step adds flavor, but you can skip it if you’re in a rush.
Prepare the creamy sauce
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and minced garlic. Stir until everything’s nicely mixed together.
Pour the sauce over the chicken
- Transfer the seared (or raw, if you skipped that step) chicken breasts to a baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s all covered.
Bake away
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F inside. You’ll know it’s done when the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is juicy.
Garnish & serve
- Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color (and extra flavor). Serve it hot, and watch your guests go wild!
- Enjoy your creamy, crispy, oh-so-delicious chicken dinner! 🍽️
Notes
- For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of chicken broth or white wine to the sauce.
- You can swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier option.
- Feel free to add more garlic or herbs like thyme for extra flavor!