Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure optimal sauce adhesion.
  2. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken to a uniform 1-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Let sit for 5-10 minutes to stabilize protein fibers.
  3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, and 0.25 cup of the Parmesan cheese until smooth and emulsified.
  4. Place the seasoned chicken in a 9x13 inch ceramic or glass baking dish in a single layer.
  5. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle the remaining 0.25 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer.