Zesty Cream Cheese Chicken with Herb Infusion

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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If you're craving a meal that feels both comforting and fresh, this Zesty Cream Cheese Chicken with Herb Infusion is for you. It's the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and bright, citrusy notes, all wrapped up in a simple, satisfying dish. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, it brings gourmet flavors to your everyday dinner table.

Ingredients for Zesty Cream Cheese Chicken with Herb Infusion

The star of the show is the chicken breasts — they soak up the flavors beautifully while staying juicy and tender. Cream cheese adds richness, creating a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. Parmesan cheese offers a salty, nutty touch that complements the creaminess perfectly. Lemon zest and juice brighten the dish, cutting through the richness with a fresh, tangy punch. Garlic introduces a subtle kick, while fresh dill and parsley add a touch of herbal freshness. A splash of chicken broth keeps everything moist and helps create a flavorful base for the sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
  • If you're short on fresh herbs, dried versions work too — just use about a third of the quantity.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
  • If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a pan and transfer to a baking dish before adding the toppings.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a light, crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the sauce. For a more hearty meal, consider serving it with buttery mashed potatoes or a side of fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook through.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
What if I don't have fresh lemon?
You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, although fresh lemon will give you the best flavor.

Zesty Cream Cheese Chicken with Herb Infusion Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 375°F so it's ready to go once you've prepped the chicken. Grab a medium-sized bowl and combine the cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix these until they're well combined into a creamy, herby spread.

Now, heat up olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is warming, season your chicken breasts with a bit of salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet. Let them sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, aiming for a nice golden-brown crust. This step is key for flavor and texture.

After searing, remove the skillet from heat. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Pour the chicken broth around the chicken — this will help keep the meat juicy as it bakes. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and let it bake for 20-25 minutes. You'll know it's done when the chicken is cooked through and the topping is bubbling away.

Once out of the oven, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes. This resting time ensures that all the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite tender and flavorful.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bright lemon zest brings a refreshing twist to the creamy sauce.
  • Perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and herbaceous flavors.
  • Quick and easy, using just one skillet for minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 lemon, zested and juiced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
5. Add chicken to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Remove the skillet from heat and spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts evenly.
7. Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and topping is bubbly.
9. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.

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