Delicious Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Mouthwatering Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe You’ll Love Tonight

Cream Cheese Chicken is a comforting dish that turns regular chicken into something rich and creamy.

Many people love this meal because it’s easy to make and tastes amazing.

The mix of juicy chicken with smooth cream cheese creates a satisfying experience for the taste buds.

This simple recipe can turn any weeknight dinner into something special without needing much time or skill in the kitchen.

Everyone in the family, from kids to adults, usually enjoys its soft texture and delicious flavor.

With just a few ingredients and quick steps, this dish is perfect for busy families looking for tasty and convenient meals.

Tips That Help Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Soften Cream Cheese Smartly: Microwave cream cheese in short 10-15 second bursts to prevent overheating and maintain a smooth texture.
  • Perfect Chicken Thickness: Slice chicken breasts horizontally for even cooking and faster preparation, ensuring tender and juicy results every time.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Add chicken broth gradually to create a silky, perfectly balanced sauce without making it too runny or thick.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to enhance its aromatic qualities and intensify overall taste.
  • Customize Heat Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice preference, from mild to bold, without overwhelming the dish's creamy profile.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: Store It Smart

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain sauce consistency.
  • Freezing Option: Pack chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, lasting up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Quality Check: Discard if the chicken develops an odd smell, unusual texture, or shows signs of spoilage to ensure food safety.

What Pairs With Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the chicken's richness.
  • Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side with toasted baguette slices rubbed with garlic and brushed with olive oil to soak up the delicious cream cheese sauce.
  • Match Fresh Green Salad: Toss together a light mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a refreshing contrast.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with a touch of lemon and herbs to provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken With A Twist

  • Low-Carb Version: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for more fat content. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional sides and skip onions to reduce carbohydrates.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream. Use dairy-free butter or ghee for cooking and select nutritional yeast for extra flavor complexity.
  • Spicy Herbal Remix: Incorporate fresh jalapeños or chipotle peppers for heat. Add fresh cilantro and swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary and thyme for an herbaceous profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use bone-in chicken with skin for higher fat percentage. Replace chicken broth with heavy cream and add extra butter during sauce preparation to increase fat macros while maintaining rich flavor.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: Got Questions?

  • What makes the cream cheese sauce creamy and smooth?

The continuous stirring helps break down the cream cheese, creating a silky smooth sauce without lumps. Softening the cream cheese beforehand and using warm chicken broth also helps achieve a perfectly blended sauce.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking and pat it dry with paper towels. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken brown properly in the skillet.

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white (not pink) throughout when cut.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle hint of heat, but you can easily adjust or omit them. If you want more spice, add extra red pepper flakes; for less heat, reduce or remove them completely.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: Why It’s So Good

  • Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this delicious chicken dish in under 30 minutes with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Creamy Comfort Meal: Indulge in a luxurious, velvety sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dinner right at home.
  • One-Pan Magic: Minimize cleanup with a single skillet that handles the entire cooking process from chicken to sauce, saving time and dishwashing effort.
  • Flavor Flexibility: Easily customize the dish by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or adding extra herbs to suit personal taste preferences.

What Goes Into Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that becomes tender and flavorful when cooked, select fresh and boneless for best results.
Dairy Components:
  • Cream Cheese, Butter: Rich and creamy ingredients that create a smooth, luxurious sauce with a tangy undertone.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that provide depth and basic seasoning for the chicken.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds intense aromatic flavor and complexity to the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blend of dried herbs that introduces Mediterranean-style taste profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Offers subtle heat and slight spiciness to the sauce.
Liquid and Cooking Components:
  • Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds a subtle fruity note during cooking.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and enhances overall sauce consistency.
  • Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh, bright color and light herbal notes.
  • Chopped Onion: Provides sweet and savory base layer to the sauce, contributes to depth of flavor.

How To Prepare Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

How To Prepare Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise into 4 thinner pieces. Season with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 2: Sear Chicken

Heat skillet with:
  • Butter
  • Olive oil

Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Caramelize Onions

Lower skillet heat and sauté chopped onions for 5-7 minutes until soft and lightly browned.

Step 4: Add Aromatic Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Create Silky Sauce

Combine in skillet:
  • Chicken broth
  • Softened cream cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir continuously until sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken to skillet, coating each piece with sauce. Warm through completely.

Step 7: Final Touch

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Plate the chicken and drizzle remaining sauce over the top. Enjoy your creamy garlic chicken!

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Delicious Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Delicious Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy “Easy Cream Cheese Chicken” delivers comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken with rich, velvety sauce. Dinner guests will savor this simple yet luxurious main course that promises satisfaction in every delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Spices:

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt & pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth (plus more if needed)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese in the microwave until pliable, then chop into small, uniform pieces for quick melting.
  2. Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally to create four even, thin cutlets. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Warm a blend of butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a perfect searing environment for the chicken.
  4. Cook chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
  5. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside, keeping warm to maintain moisture.
  6. Reduce skillet heat and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and develop a light caramelized edge, releasing their sweet aromatics.
  7. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly to prevent burning and allow its fragrant essence to permeate the cooking surface.
  8. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then incorporate softened cream cheese, stirring continuously to create a silky, uniform sauce.
  9. Blend in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, adjusting the sauce’s flavor profile and heat level.
  10. Gently return chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces in the creamy sauce and allowing them to reheat thoroughly.
  11. If sauce appears too thick, gradually thin with additional chicken broth until reaching desired consistency.
  12. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  13. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
  14. Serve immediately, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the luxurious sauce.

Notes

  • Soften cream cheese thoroughly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken evenly.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy, tender meat.
  • Customize the dish by swapping Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a personalized flavor profile.
  • Make it low-carb friendly by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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