Introduction

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe combines tender, seared chicken breasts with a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese and flavorful seasonings. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

The image shows a close-up of a white plate with three main parts: grilled chicken breast at the top left, mashed potatoes with white gravy spread in the center and bottom left, and cooked carrot pieces on the right side. The grilled chicken has a golden brown color with slight grill marks and some green herbs sprinkled on top. The mashed potatoes are creamy white, covered thickly with a smooth white gravy dotted with small bits, also garnished with green herbs. The carrot pieces are bright orange, cut into small chunks and placed neatly beside the chicken and mashed potatoes. The plate is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 garlic powder and 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 (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium, then add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Add the chicken broth, softened 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 cooked 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 out.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture.
Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Storage

Store leftover cream cheese chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth sauce. If the sauce thickens too much when reheated, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it.

How to Serve

The image shows a white plate on a white marbled surface filled with three main parts: on the left, there is a creamy mashed potato layer textured with small lumps and covered by a thick layer of light beige sausage gravy speckled with pieces of sausage and green herbs; in the top center, two golden-brown grilled chicken breasts lay partially covered by the same sausage gravy with visible grill marks and sprinkled with chopped green herbs; on the right side, there is a neat stack of bright orange cooked carrot chunks, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time to ensure they are cooked through.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, then gently reheat together before serving. However, the dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.