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Easy Cranberry Cream Cheese Chicken Bake Recipe

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4 from 43 reviews

This EASY Cranberry Cream Cheese Chicken Bake is a delicious and festive dish perfect for any occasion. Tender boneless chicken breasts are topped with a creamy mixture of cream cheese and sour cream, layered with a tangy-sweet whole berry cranberry sauce enhanced by brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, then finished with a blend of melted mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Baked to perfection, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of savory and sweet flavors with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

Cream Cheese Layer

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cranberry Topping

  • 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Cheese Topping

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Garnish (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise or pound gently to ensure even cooking. Arrange the chicken breasts evenly in the prepared dish.
  2. Make the cream cheese layer. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
  3. Add the cranberry sauce. In a small bowl, stir together the whole berry cranberry sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until well combined. Spoon this cranberry mixture evenly over the cream cheese layer on the chicken.
  4. Add the cheese and bake. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the cranberry layer. Place the baking dish uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and serve. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute and flavors meld. Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

  • If chicken breasts are large and uneven in thickness, slicing or pounding helps in even cooking to avoid overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
  • Using softened cream cheese ensures the mixture spreads easily and evenly.
  • You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier and lower-fat option.
  • For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/easy-cranberry-cream-cheese-chicken-bake-recipe/