I love making this creamy golden chicken layer bake when I want a comforting, oven-baked meal that feels rich and satisfying without being complicated. I layer tender chicken with a smooth, creamy sauce and plenty of melted cheese, then bake it until golden and bubbly. It’s cozy, filling, and perfect for a family dinner or leftovers the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it uses simple ingredients I usually already have. I don’t need to pre-cook the chicken, and everything comes together in one baking dish. I like how the chicken stays juicy, the sauce turns velvety, and the cheese forms a beautifully golden top. It’s easy, dependable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
I start by preheating my oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a medium baking dish. I season the sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, making sure everything is evenly coated.
I arrange a layer of chicken in the baking dish. In a saucepan over low heat, I melt the butter, then add the heavy cream and cream cheese. I stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. I pour a portion of the sauce over the chicken and sprinkle some mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan on top.
I repeat the layering process until all the chicken, sauce, and cheese are used, finishing with a generous layer of cheese. I cover the dish with foil and bake it for 30 minutes. Then I remove the foil and continue baking for another 15 to 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. I let it rest for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley and serving.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 4 people.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is 45 to 50 minutes.
Total time is approximately 1 hour.
Variations
I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or fresh spinach between the chicken layers for extra flavor and texture. When I want a bit of heat, I mix a pinch of paprika or chili flakes into the sauce. I also like experimenting with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or provolone.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using the oven at a low temperature so the sauce stays creamy. If I use the microwave, I add a small splash of cream to keep it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
I can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and they work very well as long as I slice them thin.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I often assemble the entire dish a few hours in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake.
Can I freeze this recipe?
I can freeze it before baking for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
What should I serve with this dish?
I like serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Conclusion
I keep this creamy golden chicken layer bake in my regular rotation because it’s easy, comforting, and consistently delicious. It’s a reliable recipe I turn to when I want a homemade meal that feels indulgent but doesn’t take much effort.
This Creamy Golden Chicken Layer Bake is a cozy, oven-baked dish featuring tender chicken, a velvety cream sauce, and layers of melted cheese. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family dinners.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons butter
1½ cups heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a medium baking dish.
Season sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Arrange a layer of seasoned chicken in the baking dish.
In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter, then stir in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth.
Pour a portion of the sauce over the chicken layer and sprinkle with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
Repeat the layering process with remaining chicken, sauce, and cheeses, ending with a generous cheese layer.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest for a few minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Add sliced mushrooms or spinach between layers for extra flavor.
Include paprika or chili flakes for a hint of heat.
Swap in cheeses like Monterey Jack or provolone to change the flavor.
Check chicken doneness with a thermometer — it should reach 165°F (74°C).
