Easy 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 seasonings. Perfectly pan-seared and simmered in a savory sauce, it’s a comforting and quick meal ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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)
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces, then season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- 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.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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