Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce

If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with coastal flavors and creamy indulgence, look no further than Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce. This recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a luscious, tangy sauce loaded with crab meat and the iconic seasoning blend, Old Bay. It’s a delightful way to bring a taste of the Chesapeake Bay right to your dinner table, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one pan for the chicken and a quick mix for the sauce. The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar creates a rich sauce that perfectly complements the delicate crab meat. The Old Bay seasoning adds that signature Chesapeake Bay zest, making every bite uniquely savory and satisfying. Plus, the fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the dish, balancing out the richness with fresh, vibrant notes. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just exploring new chicken dishes, this recipe offers a lovely twist on classic flavors.

Your Shopping Guide

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, plump breasts for the best texture.
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Full-fat cream cheese works best for a creamy sauce.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning: The star spice blend that gives this dish its signature Chesapeake flavor.
• 1 cup crab meat: Use lump or claw crab meat for that authentic seafood taste.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish and freshness.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken.
• Salt and pepper: To taste.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth and melty goodness.

What’s in the Gear List

• Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chicken evenly.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precision counts for seasoning.
• Spatula or tongs: To flip the chicken without breaking the crust.
• Knife and cutting board: For chopping parsley and prepping chicken.
• Zester or grater (optional): For lemon zest if you want to add an extra citrus kick.

Build Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and half of the Old Bay seasoning. This seasoning is the flavor backbone of your dish, so don’t skimp!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Old Bay Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, remaining Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Crab Meat

Gently fold the crab meat and half of the chopped parsley into the sauce mixture. The crab adds texture and a sweet seafood flavor that perfectly balances the spices.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet over low heat. Spoon the creamy crab sauce generously over each breast. Cover the skillet and let everything warm together for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining parsley over the top, and if you like, add an extra squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately with your favorite side dish.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Crab Meat: Substitute with cooked shrimp or canned crab meat if fresh isn’t available.
• Cream Cheese: Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well for a tangy, healthier alternative.
• Cheddar Cheese: Swap for Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Old Bay Seasoning: Use a homemade mix of paprika, celery seed, black pepper, and cayenne if you don’t have Old Bay on hand.

Notes from the Test Kitchen

During testing, we found that searing the chicken breasts well before adding the sauce ensures juicy, tender meat with a beautiful crust. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this will dry it out. The sauce is best when made fresh, but if you want to prep ahead, assemble the sauce and crab mixture separately and refrigerate until ready to use.

• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in your sauce.
• Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for brighter flavor.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder into the seasoning mix.
• This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. The creamy sauce may thicken after chilling; add a splash of milk or cream while reheating to loosen it up.

This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream cheese and sour cream base, which can separate upon thawing. If you want to freeze, consider freezing the cooked chicken breasts and preparing the sauce fresh when ready to serve.

Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a juicier, more flavorful result. Adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is lump crab meat necessary, or can I use imitation crab?

For the best flavor and texture, lump or claw crab meat is recommended. Imitation crab can be used in a pinch, but it won’t provide the same authentic Chesapeake Bay taste.

What sides go well with this dish?

This chicken pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a fluffy rice pilaf. For a one-pan meal, try the Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Skillet for complementary flavors.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the creamy Old Bay sauce up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just fold in the crab meat just before serving to keep it fresh and avoid breaking up the lumps.

Our Most-Loved Recipes

• Garlic Butter Chicken Tenders – Juicy and packed with garlicky goodness.
• Apple Sage Stuffed Chicken Breasts – A perfect blend of sweet and savory.
• Lemon Herb Chicken Rice Skillet – Bright, fresh, and comforting all in one pan.

Hungry for More?

If Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce has you inspired, why not explore other flavorful chicken dishes that bring bold tastes and easy preparation to your kitchen? From hearty skillet meals to stuffed delights, there’s a world of recipes waiting to be discovered to keep your dinner table exciting and delicious.

This dish is a wonderful way to enjoy a taste of the Chesapeake Bay with a creamy twist, perfect for seafood lovers and chicken fans alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, it’s sure to impress with its rich flavors and elegant presentation. So grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this creamy, zesty, and utterly delicious Chicken Chesapeake Style with Creamy Old Bay Sauce tonight!

Share on Pinterest