Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare on any weeknight. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful cream cheese sauce, it’s a delicious meal that feels special without much fuss.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
- Step 2: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season them with the garlic powder and some salt & pepper.
- Step 3: Melt the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
- Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Step 6: Add the chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth, which may take a few minutes.
- Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it. Season with additional salt & pepper if needed, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream cheese.
- Substitute fresh herbs like thyme or basil if you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers 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 prevent the sauce from separating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving.
PrintEasy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection in a flavorful creamy sauce made from softened cream cheese, garlic, onions, and aromatic seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish combines a rich, smooth texture with a mild kick from crushed red pepper flakes, all brought together in a simple skillet preparation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until it becomes very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside for later use in the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and place on a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they soften and develop a light brown color.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes to fully combine.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the cream cheese sauce. Warm everything through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Optionally sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Microwaving the cream cheese softens it for easier incorporation into the sauce.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this dish over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Keywords: Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet, Quick Chicken Dinner, Creamy Chicken Recipe, Weeknight Chicken
