If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both comforting and effortlessly impressive, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a true winner. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a velvety, flavorful cream cheese sauce that’s rich yet perfectly balanced with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. It’s a simple recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a cozy weeknight favorite that feels anything but ordinary. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, this recipe is bound to become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. From creamy, softened cream cheese to seasoning essentials, every item is there to elevate the dish without complication.
- Cream cheese, 8 ounces, softened: Creates the luscious, creamy base of your sauce for rich flavor and smooth texture.
- Chicken breasts, 2 large: The protein star of the dish, sliced thin for quicker, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds a subtle yet essential savory depth to the chicken seasoning.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all ingredients together with balanced flavor.
- Butter, 1 tablespoon: Helps sear the chicken and adds a rich, golden crust.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Keeps the chicken moist while cooking and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Onion, 1/2 medium, chopped: Brings sweetness and body to the sauce after caramelizing.
- Garlic cloves, 3, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic punch and warmth.
- Chicken broth, 3/4 cup: Thins the sauce perfectly while adding savory richness.
- Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon: Blends herbs like basil and oregano for an herby, classic touch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon: Introduces a gentle heat that livens up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, colorful pop for garnish and flavor brightening.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Soften Your Cream Cheese
Start by microwaving the cream cheese just until it’s very soft, making it easier to incorporate smoothly into your sauce later on. Cutting it into smaller chunks helps it melt evenly without clumps.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you end up with four thinner pieces instead of two thick ones—this technique shortens cook time and helps the chicken stay tender. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to build a savory base flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add your chicken pieces and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onion. Cooking for 5 to 7 minutes, allow the onion to soften and turn lightly golden, which will bring out its natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of your sauce.
Step 5: Add Garlic for Extra Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic, cooking just about 30 seconds until fragrant—avoid overcooking to prevent bitterness.
Step 6: Build Your Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep stirring for a few minutes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The cream cheese will melt into the broth, creating a rich, velvety consistency that clings perfectly to your chicken.
Step 7: Warm the Chicken in the Sauce
Return your cooked chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Allow it to warm through for a few minutes. If you find the sauce a little too thick, feel free to add extra chicken broth in small splashes until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Serve
Give the sauce a final taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a beautiful color contrast and a fresh herbaceous note, then serve your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe right away.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds an inviting green touch but also brightens the mouthfeel of this rich dish. For those who like a bit more texture, toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions are fantastic crunchy options.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every last bit of sauce, buttery steamed green beans for freshness, or a simple garlic-infused rice pilaf to complement the Italian seasoning.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dinner, place the chicken on a platter with sauce drizzled generously on top and arrange colorful vegetables or greens around it for a restaurant-style presentation. You can also serve it over a bed of creamy polenta to make the dish extra hearty and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, allowing you to enjoy this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe on busy days when time is tight.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. Be sure to thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese that is not softened?
It’s best to use softened cream cheese because it melts more easily into your sauce, creating a smooth consistency. If your cream cheese is cold, microwaving it until soft helps avoid lumps in the sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is straightforward, with clear steps and minimal ingredients, making it perfect for cooks of all skill levels.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. They tend to stay even juicier and add a richer flavor, though cooking times may be slightly longer.
What can I add to make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. For a thinner sauce, simply add more chicken broth in small amounts until it reaches your preferred texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
This recipe relies on cream cheese for its signature creaminess, so substituting with a dairy-free alternative might change the texture and flavor noticeably. However, experimenting with vegan cream cheese brands could work for dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is one of those gems that feels like a hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. Whether you’re feeding family or impressing friends, this dish fits every occasion with ease. Give it a try, and soon it will be a favorite you turn to time and again for a warm, satisfying meal.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 25 minutes, this skillet dish is perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice or pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 8 ounces cream cheese, 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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to make incorporation into the sauce easier.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for a flavorful base.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onion: Lower heat to medium, add chopped onion to the skillet, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned to build flavor in the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, enhancing the aroma of the sauce.
- Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Warm through and add extra chicken broth if the sauce is too thick, adjusting to your desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for a comforting and creamy chicken dish.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Chicken breasts are sliced thin to ensure even and quick cooking.
- Adjust the heat and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
