Name: Creamy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Ingredients: Chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper (to taste – Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.); Olive oil (2 tablespoons – Helps brown the chicken for extra flavor and keeps it from drying out.); Butter (2 tablespoons – Adds richness and blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.); Garlic (4 cloves, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant depth. Avoid jarred garlic if possible for best flavor.); Chicken broth (1 cup – The savory base of the sauce. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.); Heavy cream (1 cup – This makes the sauce thick, smooth, and indulgent. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.); Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated – Freshly grated melts better and gives the sauce that signature nutty flavor.); Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that ties the dish together.); Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional – Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.); Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped – Sprinkled on top for freshness and color before serving.)

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Creamy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe | Juicy, Easy & Flavorful

I just made this creamy baked chicken breast recipe, and I couldn’t wait to tell you about it! The chicken came out incredibly juicy and tender, with a rich, flavorful sauce that I kept scooping over my mashed potatoes. I love how simple it was — everything bakes together in one dish, and the aroma that fills the kitchen is downright irresistible.

If you’re craving something comforting yet easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe hits all the right notes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be on repeat — just like this baked chicken breast in Alfredo sauce recipe that’s another creamy favorite!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy baked chicken breast. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that rich, velvety sauce and juicy texture.

Chicken breasts (4 pieces, boneless and skinless) – Choose evenly sized chicken breasts for even baking. Pound slightly if needed to make them uniform.
Salt and black pepper (to taste) – Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – Helps brown the chicken for extra flavor and keeps it from drying out.
Butter (2 tablespoons) – Adds richness and blends beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic gives the sauce a fragrant depth. Avoid jarred garlic if possible for best flavor.
Chicken broth (1 cup) – The savory base of the sauce. Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
Heavy cream (1 cup) – This makes the sauce thick, smooth, and indulgent. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan cheese (½ cup, freshly grated) – Freshly grated melts better and gives the sauce that signature nutty flavor.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that ties the dish together.
Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional) – Adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Sprinkled on top for freshness and color before serving.

Note: Serves 4 people generously. Adjust ingredient quantities if making for a larger crowd.

Variations

You can easily customize this creamy baked chicken breast recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil and heavy cream with coconut cream. Skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.
Low-carb: Serve the chicken with sautéed spinach, cauliflower mash, or zoodles instead of pasta or rice.
Herb boost: Try adding fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for a more aromatic sauce.
Cheese lovers: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for extra gooeyness.
Extra veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes to the sauce for more color and texture.

Cooking Time

This recipe doesn’t take long to make at all — perfect for weeknights.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Equipment You Need

You won’t need much, just a few kitchen essentials.

Large skillet: For searing the chicken and building the sauce.
Oven-safe baking dish: To bake the chicken evenly in the creamy sauce.
Tongs: For flipping the chicken safely while browning.
Whisk: To blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.

How to Make Creamy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

This creamy baked chicken breast recipe comes together easily in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This step helps the chicken develop that beautiful golden crust when seared.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. You don’t need to cook it through — just get some color. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should bubble gently around the edges.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. The sauce thickens slightly as it cools — perfect for spooning over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

After making this creamy baked chicken breast a few times, I’ve learned a few tricks to get it perfect every time.

Don’t skip browning — it locks in flavor and gives the chicken a lovely crust.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth before baking.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream — it’s still creamy but with fewer calories.
Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it keeps the juices inside.
I sometimes add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving — it brightens the creamy sauce beautifully.

For a fun twist, you can also enjoy something like dump and bake chicken tzatziki with rice — another easy, flavorful chicken bake that comes together with minimal effort.

How to Serve Creamy Baked Chicken Breast Recipe

This dish is rich and flavorful, so it pairs wonderfully with lighter sides. Serve it over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce. For a low-carb twist, try pairing it with roasted vegetables, cauliflower mash, or a crisp green salad. Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick look at the nutrition per serving (approximate):

Calories: 480
Protein: 40g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 32g

This meal is rich in protein and healthy fats while keeping carbs low — ideal for anyone on a balanced diet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing

Let the chicken cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish freezes well! Store cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm in a covered skillet over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy baked chicken breast recipe is one of those comforting meals that checks all the boxes.

Super easy to make: Minimal prep and a single baking dish mean less cleanup and effort.
Incredibly flavorful: The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce transforms plain chicken into something special.
Family-friendly: It’s mild, rich, and appealing to kids and adults alike.
Versatile: Pairs well with pasta, rice, or veggies — and fits into many diet types.
Perfect for meal prep: Stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it throughout the week.

Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s become one of my all-time favorite comfort food recipes. It’s simple, cozy, and absolutely delicious every single time.

Ash Tyrrell