Disgustingly Easy Creamy Oven Baked Chicken in 25 Minutes

Okay, let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when you’re utterly exhausted, the kids are clamoring for dinner, and you just *cannot* with anything complicated? That’s when this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken recipe swoops in to save the day. What I love most is how incredibly simple it is – seriously, minimal ingredients, next to no prep, and boom! Delicious, satisfying dinner on the table.

This recipe has been a lifesaver for me more times than I can count. I remember one particularly hectic Tuesday – I was juggling work deadlines, school pickups, and a mountain of laundry. The thought of making dinner from scratch felt like climbing Everest! Then I remembered this creamy oven baked chicken. Twenty minutes later, the aroma filled the house, and everyone was happy. That’s the magic of this dish, I reckon. Simple enough for a weeknight, but tasty enough for company!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Recipe

Honestly, what’s not to love? This recipe is pure gold, especially on those crazy weeknights. But here’s a few reasons why you’ll probably find yourself making it again, and again, and maybe even again:

• Super easy prep – we’re talking, like, five minutes, tops!
• It’s bursting with flavor – that creamy Parmesan sauce is just divine.
• Simple ingredients – stuff you probably already have in your fridge.
• Total crowd-pleaser – even my pickiest eater gobbles it up.
• It is so versatile – serve it with pasta, rice, veggies…you name it!

Ingredients for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! The best part about this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken is that you probably already have most of this stuff. Nothing fancy here, just good, simple ingredients. You’ll need:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

And that’s it! See? Told ya it was easy. Now, let’s get cooking!

How to Make Creamy Oven Baked Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, darlings, let’s get down to business! This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken is so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Trust me, even *you* can do it!

1. First things first, **preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)** That’s super important, so don’t skip it!
2. Now, grab those chicken breasts and **season them with salt and pepper**. Don’t be shy, now! Get every nook and cranny. A little extra pepper never hurt anyone!
3. Next, **heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet** over medium-high heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, no sweat! Just use a regular skillet to sear the chicken, then transfer it to a baking dish later.
4. Once the oil is hot (it should shimmer), **sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re lightly browned**. We’re not trying to cook them through at this point, just get a nice color on ’em. Browning equals flavor, people!
5. Alright, now **remove the skillet from the heat and pour the heavy cream over the chicken**. Ooooh, doesn’t that look luscious?
6. Time for cheese! **Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over the cream**. You can use pre-shredded Parmesan if you’re feeling lazy (no judgment!), but freshly grated is always better, just so you know.
7. Now, pop that skillet into the preheated oven and **bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly**. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re not sure, cut into the thickest part of a chicken breast to check!
8. Last but not least, **let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving**. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken nice and moist. Plus, it gives you time to set the table or pour yourself a glass of wine!

And that’s all there is to it! Wasn’t that easy? Now, get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious Creamy Oven Baked Chicken!

Tips for the Best Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Want to take your already-amazing Creamy Oven Baked Chicken to the *next* level? Of course, you do! Here are a few little tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this dish truly spectacular:

• **Don’t skip the sear!** That little bit of browning on the chicken adds a ton of flavor. Aim for a nice golden-brown color.
• **Watch the cream!** If your oven runs hot, the cream sauce might start to curdle. Keep an eye on it, and if it starts to bubble too vigorously, reduce the oven temperature a bit.
• **Use a meat thermometer!** The best way to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked (and safe to eat!) is to use a meat thermometer. Stick it into the thickest part of the chicken breast and make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Trust me, these little things make a *huge* difference!

Variations for Your Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Okay, so you’ve nailed the classic Creamy Oven Baked Chicken. High five! But, you know me, I’m *always* looking for ways to mix things up a little. So, if you’re feeling adventurous, here are a few variations to try:

• **Mushroom Mania:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms (cremini or shiitake are my faves!) and stir them into the cream sauce before baking. For a keto-friendly option, you might really enjoy this Keto Garlic Mushroom Chicken Casserole!
• **Spinach Surprise:** Toss in a handful or two of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of baking. It’ll wilt down beautifully and add a pop of color and nutrients.
• **Sun-Dried Tomato Tango:** Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the oil-packed kind, drained) for a burst of tangy flavor. Wowza!

Get creative! Experiment with different herbs, spices, or veggies. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Alright, so you’ve got this glorious Creamy Oven Baked Chicken… now what? Don’t just stand there admiring it, you gotta *eat* it! The good news is, this dish goes with just about everything. I personally love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up all that yummy sauce. And you really can’t go wrong with some roasted veggies on the side. Speaking of which, these Garlic Roasted Vegetables would be pure perfection, I think. Or, for something lighter, a simple salad is always a winner! Trust me, whatever you choose, it will be delicious!

FAQ About Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken recipe:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they’ll take a bit longer to cook, so you might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time. Plus, some people find chicken thighs even *more* flavorful and juicy than breasts. Just sayin’!

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sure thing! Parmesan is my go-to for this recipe, but you can definitely experiment with other cheeses. Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend of Italian cheeses would all be delicious. Just avoid anything *too* melty, or it might make the sauce a bit greasy.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover Creamy Oven Baked Chicken is awesome! Just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through. It’s just as good the next day!

Can I add vegetables directly to the skillet?

You bet! Adding vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or even some sliced zucchini to this creamy oven baked chicken makes for a fantastically easy one-pan dinner. Just be sure to toss the vegetables with the chicken during the last 10-15 minutes of baking; that way the chicken won’t overcook as the veggies soften!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Oven Baked Chicken

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutrition, right? Here’s the lowdown, but keep in mind, this is just an estimate! It really depends on the exact ingredients you use and serving sizes, you know? Each serving of Creamy Oven Baked Chicken packs roughly 450 calories, 30g fat, 40g protein, and 5g carbs. Enjoy!

Enjoyed This Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Recipe? Leave a Comment!

Hey, you! Did you try this Creamy Oven Baked Chicken? I really wanna know what you thought! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, and maybe even share it on your socials! Thanks so much for giving it a whirl – I hope you loved it as much as we do! And definitely let me know if you made any fun tweaks!

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