Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts: A Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Tender, juicy Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts in a rich sauce. This easy recipe brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table without the fuss.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
02 - 1.5 cups heavy cream
03 - 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
06 - 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
07 - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided

→ Seasonings & Pantry Staples

08 - 2 tbsp olive oil
09 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
10 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
11 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Finishing Touch

12 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab those chicken breasts and pat them super dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden-brown sear later on! Then, season them generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of that lovely smoked paprika. I always make sure to get both sides. It just sets the stage for all the delicious flavors that are about to happen.
02 - Heat a little olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place your seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Don't overcrowd the pan; you might need to do this in batches. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown. This isn't about cooking them through, just building that incredible flavor crust. The smell alone is enough to make your stomach rumble!
03 - Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium, then add a tiny bit more olive oil if needed. Toss in your diced onion and let it soften for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs, cooking for just another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! It's pure comfort, and honestly, this is where the sauce really starts to come alive.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s flavor gold right there! Let it simmer for a minute, then stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Taste it now, and adjust salt and pepper if you need to. This is the foundation for our amazing Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts.
05 - Carefully return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them right into that luscious creamy sauce. Make sure they're partially submerged. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 18-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Don't walk too far, because your kitchen is about to smell heavenly!
06 - Once the chicken is done, pull the skillet out of the oven. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top, letting it melt slightly from the residual heat. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving; this allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your Creamy Baked Chicken Breasts extra juicy. Seriously, it looks so good, you'll want to dig in right away!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken breasts super dry before searing; it makes all the difference for a golden crust.
02 - Leftovers are great in an airtight container for 3-4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy.
03 - If you're out of heavy cream, whole milk can work in a pinch, but expect a thinner sauce.
04 - Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great)
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - measuring cups and spoons
05 - whisk
06 - instant-read thermometer

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 38g

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