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
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese by warming it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to achieve a soft, spreadable consistency, facilitating smoother sauce integration.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce chopped onions, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and develop caramelized edges.
- Incorporate minced garlic, cooking briefly until aromatic. Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Whisk sauce ingredients continuously, allowing cream cheese to melt and blend smoothly. This process may require 2-3 minutes of constant stirring.
- Reintroduce seared chicken to the skillet, coating each piece with the creamy sauce. Simmer for an additional 2 minutes to ensure even heating.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding extra broth if needed. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper.
- 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