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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

4.8 from 115 reviews

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Perfectly pan-seared and simmered in a savory sauce, it’s a comforting and quick meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce and Cooking

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (block, 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 Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté Onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
  7. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, warming it through in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest sauce.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Add extra chicken broth to adjust sauce consistency as preferred.
  • For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side of rice or pasta.

Keywords: cream cheese chicken, creamy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken dinner, easy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner