There’s something magical about the moment when bubbly cheese meets tender chicken—especially in this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake. With its golden top and luscious, creamy center, this dish delivers cozy comfort and bold flavor in every bite. The robust richness of sharp cheddar merges with savory garlic, while a dreamy layer of cream cheese and sour cream melts beautifully over juicy chicken breasts. Whether you’re after an easy weeknight winner or a new family favorite, this Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake is full of charm and crowd-pleasing appeal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to create this irresistible bake, and each one brings something special—dreamy texture, creamy depth, that unmistakable cheddar tang, or a pop of freshness. Here’s why these ingredients are non-negotiable for the ultimate flavor and finish.

Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Juicy, lean, and perfectly suited for soaking up all that cheesy goodness without overpowering the other flavors.
Cream cheese (softened): This makes the topping extra rich and velvety, so be sure it’s soft for easy blending.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and keeps the sauce silky, so each bite stays deliciously moist.
Grated cheddar cheese: The star of the show! Gives you gooey, melty pockets and a gorgeous golden top.
Garlic (pressed): As the namesake suggests, garlic is essential for a bold aromatic punch that ties all the flavors together.
Salt: A pinch is just enough to wake up and balance the creamy cheese and chicken.
Ground black pepper: Offers a gentle background heat that cuts through the richness.
Freshly chopped green onions: Lively and crisp, they brighten the bake just before serving.
Freshly chopped parsley: The perfect finish—herby and fresh, making every slice look and taste special.

How to Make Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it heats up, grab a large baking dish, ideally something big enough to fit all your chicken breasts in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and maximum cheesiness on every piece.

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the grated cheddar, and all of that fragrant pressed garlic. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended—you don’t want any lumps! This topping forms the creamy, garlicky crown of your Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake.

Step 3: Season and Place the Chicken

Lightly season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Arrange them nice and flat in the baking dish. This way, the cheese mixture covers every inch, and each cut of chicken stays juicy under its cheesy blanket.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping

Spoon the prepared cheese mixture over each chicken breast, spreading it to cover them generously. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top—this is what will create that sizzling, golden crust everyone loves in Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover your baking dish with foil and pop it into the oven for 30 minutes. This steamy start helps the chicken cook through gently and ensures the creamy layer stays smooth. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is bubbling and golden brown (an internal temp of 165 degrees is your cue).

How to Serve Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped green onions or parsley takes this dish from simple comfort food to kitchen magic. These garnishes add a burst of color and a refreshing bite that perfectly contrasts the richness of the cheesy bake.

Side Dishes

Pair your Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake with something light and vibrant! Steamed broccoli, a simple green salad, or fluffy rice make ideal companions. For a heartier twist, try serving with mashed potatoes or roasted carrots—perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful when you plate! For gatherings, slice the chicken and fan out on a platter scattered with herbs. Or, spoon the cheesy chicken onto toasted baguette rounds for a crowd-pleasing appetizer version. However you serve it, the eye-catching layers and golden top guarantee major wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake stores beautifully! Once cooled, transfer slices and extra sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld even more, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better on day two.

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the bake cool completely, then wrap portions individually or the whole dish tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to two months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

For a quick lunch or dinner, reheat slices in the oven at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly, or use the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes. If the cheese sauce thickens up a bit, a splash of milk stirred in before reheating keeps everything creamy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well and result in even juicier bites. Just watch the cooking time, as thighs may need a few extra minutes in the oven.

Which cheddar cheese is best for this bake?

Sharp cheddar gives the dish its signature tang, but you can use mild, medium, or even a white cheddar. Try mixing in a bit of Monterey Jack for extra meltiness and a slightly different flavor profile!

Can I prepare Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake ahead of time?

Yes—assemble the dish up to a day ahead, cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting from cold.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in fat?

If you’d like a lighter version, opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream, and use less cheese on top. The flavor still shines through while cutting some of the richness.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way is to check with a meat thermometer—the internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The topping will also be golden and bubbling by then!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that tastes like a big hug, Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake absolutely delivers. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and incredibly simple to make. Give it a try—you just might find yourself making it on repeat whenever you need a little comfort or a seriously satisfying dinner!

Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and easy-to-make Garlic Cheddar Chicken Bake that is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast

Cheese Mixture:

6 oz cream cheese (softened)
1/2 cup sour cream
1¼ cup grated cheddar cheese (divided)
4 cloves garlic (pressed)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper

Garnish:

freshly chopped green onions
freshly chopped parsley

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, and garlic. Stir until well mixed.
Season and assemble: Season each side of the chicken breast with salt and pepper. Lay the chicken flat in a large baking dish. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165˚F internal temp.)
Garnish and serve: Garnish with green onions or parsley and serve warm.