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
Scale
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.
