The Best Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love

Succulent chicken meets creamy goodness in this mouthwatering easy cream cheese chicken recipe that promises to delight every palate.

The secret lies in blending tender chicken with a luxurious cream cheese sauce that melts effortlessly.

Simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your kitchen.

Each bite promises rich, velvety flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners never looked so delectable and hassle-free.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this quick and satisfying dish that comes together in less than an hour.

Prepare to savor every single spoonful of this irresistible culinary creation.

What Makes Cream Cheese Chicken So Creamy

• Lightning-fast recipe perfect for busy home cooks with minimal kitchen skills.
• Rich, velvety sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a luxurious meal that feels restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.
• Adaptable recipe allows simple tweaks like adjusting spice levels or adding extra herbs to match personal taste preferences without compromising the dish's core deliciousness.
• Minimal cleanup required since everything cooks and combines in a single pan, making this meal both delectable and convenient for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients in Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the base of this creamy dish.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Herbs and spices that add depth and mild heat to the recipe.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich cooking medium and help develop golden color on the chicken.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy sauce that coats the chicken with creamy richness.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a sweet and pungent base that complements the creamy sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that adds a fresh garnish and subtle herbal note.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cutlets

Slice chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces.

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Heat a skillet with butter and olive oil over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Move cooked chicken to a separate plate.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add chopped onions and cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.

Quickly stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Softened cream cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Whisk continuously until sauce becomes smooth and cream cheese completely melts.

This process might take a few minutes.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return chicken to the skillet.

Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything warm through for 2-3 minutes.

If sauce seems too thick, add extra chicken broth to reach desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added flavor and color.

Serve immediately while sauce remains creamy and warm.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Chicken

• Microwave cream cheese for 20-30 seconds to ensure smooth blending, preventing lumpy sauce textures.
• Cut chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly, reducing cooking time and ensuring uniform doneness.
• If sauce appears too thick, gradually add extra chicken broth to achieve a silky, pourable texture that coats the chicken perfectly.
• Build flavor depth by seasoning chicken initially with spices, then taste and adjust sauce seasoning at the end for a well-rounded, delicious result.
• Stir cream cheese sauce continuously and gently, allowing it to incorporate slowly, which prevents separation and creates a luxuriously smooth consistency.

How to Store Cream Cheese Chicken

• Seal the chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is completely sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Transfer cooled chicken to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Cream cheese-based sauces might slightly separate when frozen, but they'll still taste delicious.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying, and cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth to keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently and frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, which helps maintain the sauce's original texture.

Perfect Pairings for Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and complement the chicken's savory flavor.
• Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread: Create a perfect side by toasting crusty bread with garlic butter, which will help soak up the delicious cream cheese sauce and add textural contrast.
• Recommend Fresh Green Salad: Toss a light arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, refreshing counterpoint to the creamy, indulgent main dish.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa: Prepare quinoa with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme, offering a nutritious and light grain option that balances the chicken's richness while adding extra flavor complexity.

Recipe Styles with Cream Cheese Chicken

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Cream Cheese Chicken: Replace chicken breasts with cauliflower steaks, using the same seasoning and cooking method. This vegetarian alternative provides a lighter, lower-carbohydrate option without sacrificing flavor.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Chicken: Swap cream cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version. Use coconut oil instead of butter to maintain the creamy texture while accommodating lactose-intolerant diets.
• Keto-Friendly Herb Chicken: Reduce onions, increase herbs like thyme and rosemary. Replace chicken broth with heavy cream to increase fat content and align with ketogenic dietary requirements. Add extra red pepper flakes for increased metabolism boost.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Chicken: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and fresh basil into the sauce. Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to create a tangier, Mediterranean-style flavor profile that feels lighter and more refreshing.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw the chicken and pat it dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper searing and even cooking.

• What if I don't have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary or use dried herbs you have on hand to create a similar flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder dish. Start with a small pinch and add more to taste.

• Can I make this recipe in a different pan?

Absolutely! While a skillet works best for even cooking and searing, you can use a large frying pan or even a deep sauté pan with similar results.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 10 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy comfort meets weeknight convenience in this delightful Cream Cheese Chicken that promises rich, tangy flavors. Hearty protein and smooth cheese blend seamlessly, offering a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

Cooking Liquids and Aromatics:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cream cheese by warming it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency, facilitating smoother sauce integration.
2. Transform chicken breasts into thinner cutlets by slicing lengthwise. Generously season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a blend of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature.
3. Sear chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Carefully transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce chopped onions, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and develop caramelized edges.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, cooking briefly until aromatic. Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
6. Whisk sauce ingredients continuously, allowing cream cheese to melt and blend smoothly. This process may require 2-3 minutes of constant stirring.
7. Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to ensure even heating.
8. Adjust sauce consistency by adding extra broth if needed. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
9. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its most luxurious and velvety texture.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese strategically by microwaving briefly or letting it sit at room temperature to ensure smooth sauce blending.
• Slice chicken breasts horizontally for faster, more even cooking and better sauce absorption.
• Choose low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without compromising creamy texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or swapping with mild paprika for sensitive palates.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg