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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

5 from 124 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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