EASY CREAM CHEESE CHICKEN BEST

I’ll never forget the first time I made this; my roommate declared it was the best thing I’d ever cooked, and she wasn’t wrong! This recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken is so simple and satisfying, it’s the perfect weeknight meal to impress anyone, even if that’s just yourself! Get ready for a creamy, flavorful dish that will become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Let’s face it: weeknights are hectic. Between work, kids, and everything in between, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel impossible. That’s where this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe comes in. It’s quick, easy, and requires minimal ingredients, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights. But don’t let the simplicity fool you – this dish is bursting with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

Here’s what makes this recipe a winner:

• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish can be on your table in under 30 minutes.
• Minimal Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The cream cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, vegetables, or even mashed potatoes – the possibilities are endless!
• Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love this creamy and delicious chicken dish.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

The beauty of this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of the show. About 2 pounds should suffice. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Cream Cheese: The key ingredient that creates the creamy and decadent sauce. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is always best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch. About 2-3 cloves of garlic will do the trick.
• Onion Powder: Adds a subtle onion flavor to the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish. You can also add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Cream Cheese Chicken

Now for the fun part: cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying Cream Cheese Chicken dish:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
3. Make the Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
5. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
6. Return the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the sauce.
7. Cook: Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken Perfection

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cream Cheese Chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Soften the Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese will melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. You can soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or by microwaving it for a few seconds.
• Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: Full-fat cream cheese will create a richer and more flavorful sauce.
• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce.
• Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the flavor of the dish.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Variations: Making It Your Own

The beauty of this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to try:

• Mushroom Cream Cheese Chicken: Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic.
• Spinach Cream Cheese Chicken: Add fresh spinach to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Cheese Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a burst of flavor.
• Bacon Cream Cheese Chicken: Cook bacon until crispy and crumble it over the chicken before serving.
• Cream Cheese Chicken with Asparagus: Roast asparagus separately and serve alongside the chicken.

Serving Suggestions: What to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pasta: Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape.
• Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich sauce.
• Vegetables: Serve the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
• Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken.

Making Cream Cheese Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Want to make this dish even easier? Try making it in the slow cooker! Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
3. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
5. Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken with two forks and stir it back into the sauce.
7. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Try

If you love this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe, you’ll also enjoy these other delicious chicken dishes:

• Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A creamy, dreamy chicken dish cooked in the slow cooker.
• Chicken Casserole: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a crowd.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: A fun and easy appetizer or light meal.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: The flavors of “Marry Me Chicken” transformed into a comforting pasta dish.
• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: A simple baked version of this recipe.
• Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole: A healthy and delicious casserole option.

Troubleshooting: Common Cream Cheese Chicken Issues

Sometimes, even the best recipes can have a few hiccups. Here are some common issues you might encounter when making Cream Cheese Chicken and how to fix them:

• Sauce is Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, remove the chicken from the skillet and simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to reduce. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
• Chicken is Dry: If your chicken is dry, it’s likely overcooked. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid cooking it past 165°F (74°C). You can also try adding a little more chicken broth to the skillet during cooking to keep the chicken moist.
• Cream Cheese Doesn’t Melt Smoothly: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the skillet. This will help it melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. If it’s still not melting smoothly, try whisking it vigorously or using an immersion blender to break up any lumps.
• Garlic Burns: Garlic can burn easily, so be sure to cook it over medium heat and watch it carefully. If it starts to brown too quickly, remove the skillet from the heat for a few seconds before continuing to cook.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave the chicken for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a little chicken broth if needed to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing: While you can freeze Cream Cheese Chicken, the texture of the sauce may change slightly. The cream cheese can sometimes separate and become grainy. If you do freeze it, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to consume it within 2-3 months for optimal quality.

Cream Cheese Chicken: A Recipe for Success

This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and versatile – everything you could want in a weeknight meal. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious dish!

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that’s sure to impress. It features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, decadent cream cheese sauce, perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• large skillet
• paper towels
• whisk
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Meat Thermometer
• spatula
• knife
• cutting board
• Lid for skillet

Method

 

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium.
5. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Whisk until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Bring the sauce to a simmer and then reduce the heat to low.
8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them in the sauce.
9. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
11. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Soften the cream cheese for a smoother sauce. Full-fat cream cheese creates a richer flavor. Adjust sauce thickness with chicken broth or by simmering. Add lemon juice for brightness or red pepper flakes for heat. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage, though texture may change. Reheat in microwave or skillet. Variations include mushroom, spinach, sun-dried tomato, or bacon additions.