Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a creamy, comforting dish that comes together quickly on busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, flavorful cream cheese sauce. It’s simple yet satisfying, perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining.
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, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Step 2: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Warm through for a couple of minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, sprinkle with parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce along with the chicken broth.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a different aroma.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this dish over cooked 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, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
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 to ensure they are cooked through.
Is this recipe dairy-free or can it be made vegan?
This recipe relies on cream cheese and butter, which are dairy products. To make a dairy-free or vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use vegan butter or oil.
PrintEasy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. It’s a comforting, quick skillet meal that combines savory spices and a luscious sauce to create a satisfying dinner perfect for any night of the week.
- 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 and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut lengthwise into 4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)
- 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
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until it becomes very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside for use later in the recipe.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. When hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for about 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy; this can take a few minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and warm everything through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt & pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve the creamy chicken immediately, ideally over rice, pasta, or your favorite side.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Softening the cream cheese helps it melt smoothly and blend well into the sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken Skillet, Quick Dinner, Chicken with Cream Cheese Sauce
