There’s something magical about transforming simple pantry ingredients into a creamy, savory meal that feels indulgent yet easy. This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dish, made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s versatile enough for busy families and sophisticated enough for a cozy dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is one of those classic go-to meals that families will fall in love with. The cream cheese melts into a smooth, garlicky sauce with a tangy richness that pairs perfectly with the mild, tender chicken. The addition of Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes adds layers of savory warmth, creating a sauce that feels decadent without being overly heavy. You’ll be surprised by how quickly this dish comes together, making it ideal for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, preferably Philadelphia)
- 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 (preferably Vidalia)
- 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, for garnish)
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Prep the Cream Cheese: Start by microwaving the cream cheese until it’s very soft (about 30 seconds). Cut it into cubes and set aside to make it easier to melt.
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, then add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth (this may take a minute or two).
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Let the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Helpful Tips:
- Make sure the cream cheese is soft before adding it to the pan so it melts more easily.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- For faster cooking, slicing the chicken breasts thinly ensures they cook evenly and remain juicy.
- You can use chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though they may need a bit longer to cook.
Notes:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 397 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg
- Sodium: 498 mg
- Potassium: 541 mg
- Sugar: 3 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of cheese?: You can try using other soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta, but cream cheese gives the smoothest, most tangy sauce.
- Can I make this with bone-in chicken?: Yes, though it will take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce.
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Conclusion:
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a fantastic way to make a quick and satisfying meal using pantry staples. With its creamy, savory sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of dish that will become a family favorite. So, next time you find yourself with some cream cheese and chicken in the fridge, you’ll know exactly what to make!
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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Description
There’s something magical about transforming simple pantry ingredients into a creamy, savory meal that feels indulgent yet easy. This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is the perfect weeknight dish, made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. With just a handful of ingredients and 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor. The best part? It’s versatile enough for busy families and sophisticated enough for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened, preferably Philadelphia)
- 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 (preferably Vidalia)
- 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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Cream Cheese: Start by microwaving the cream cheese until it’s very soft (about 30 seconds). Cut it into cubes and set aside to make it easier to melt.
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pan-Fry the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Lower the heat to medium, then add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth (this may take a minute or two).
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Let the chicken warm through for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little more chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-free