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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

4.7 from 110 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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