Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting, and flavorful chicken dinner, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a lifesaver. Made with pantry staples and a single block of cream cheese, it transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, garlicky, herb-infused sauce that coats tender chicken perfectly. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or even when you want a fuss-free meal that feels indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes.
• Pantry-friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have.
• Rich & creamy: Cream cheese transforms into a silky garlic herb sauce.
• Customizable flavors: Adjust spice with crushed red pepper or add fresh herbs.
• Family-approved: Perfectly tender chicken that everyone will love.

Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4

Main Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste

Sauce Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Optional Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley, to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Microwave-safe bowl for softening cream cheese
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Spatula or tongs for handling chicken
• Spoon or whisk for stirring sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cream Cheese

1. Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, about 20–30 seconds.
2. Cut into smaller pieces and set aside to make it easier to incorporate into the sauce later.

2. Prepare the Chicken

1. Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating four thinner pieces.
2. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Cook the Chicken

1. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

4. Prepare the Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion to the same skillet. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
4. Mix continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes.

5. Combine Chicken and Sauce

1. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet.
2. Coat the chicken in the sauce and heat through for 2–3 minutes.
3. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
5. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired.

6. Serve Immediately

Serve hot with your choice of sides: steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Tips & Variations

• Protein options: Substitute chicken with turkey breasts or boneless thighs.
• Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Increase crushed red pepper flakes for a slightly spicy kick.
• Dairy-free option: Use a vegan cream cheese alternative and olive oil instead of butter.
• Make it thicker: Reduce the chicken broth slightly to create a richer, thicker sauce.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Taste: Creamy, savory, and garlicky with subtle herbal notes.
• Texture: Tender chicken enveloped in a smooth, velvety sauce.
• Sides that complement: Roasted or steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or cooked rice.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	397 kcal
Protein	28 g
Carbohydrates	6 g
Total Fat	29 g
Saturated Fat	14 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	9 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	138 mg
Sodium	498 mg
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	3 g
Vitamin A	926 IU
Vitamin C	3 mg
Calcium	75 mg
Iron	1 mg

Dietary notes: Low-carb, gluten-free, high in protein.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Marinate in advance: Season chicken and let it sit for 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
• Prepare sauce ahead: Mix cream cheese, broth, and seasonings in advance, then add chicken when ready to cook.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over low heat to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, thaw fully before cooking for even results.

What’s the best cream cheese to use?
Use a block of cream cheese for a thicker, creamier sauce rather than the spreadable type.

Can I add more flavor?
Yes, a splash of white wine or a pinch of smoked paprika enhances the sauce.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan cream cheese and olive oil instead of butter.

Cooking Timeline

Stage	Time
Prep Chicken & Cream Cheese	10 minutes
Cook Chicken	12 minutes
Prepare Sauce	8 minutes
Combine & Heat Through	5 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the creamy chicken over steamed rice or pasta.
• Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables for a full meal.
• Garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.

Recipe Variations

1. Sun-dried Tomato Cream Chicken: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
2. Mushroom Cream Cheese Chicken: Sauté mushrooms with onions before adding garlic and sauce.
3. Spicy Garlic Cream Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Herb-Infused Version: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon into the sauce for aromatic depth.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese

• Selection: Choose full-fat for richness; low-fat can be used but the sauce will be slightly lighter.
• Storage: Keep refrigerated; use within the expiration date.
• Enhancement: Microwave slightly to soften for easier mixing.

Chicken Breasts

• Selection: Look for evenly sized breasts to ensure uniform cooking.
• Preparation: Slicing lengthwise creates thinner pieces that cook quickly and evenly.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Cook chicken on medium-high heat to achieve golden brown sear before adding sauce.
• Gradually melt cream cheese into warm broth to avoid lumps.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while cooking chicken; cook in batches for best texture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store chicken in sauce in an airtight container for 2–3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze sauce and chicken separately for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm on low heat, stirring frequently, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Expanded Conclusion

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a weeknight hero that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful, and comforting meal. With minimal prep and a short cook time, it’s perfect for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results without the fuss.

Whether you enjoy it over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try it, savor it, and make it part of your weekly dinner rotation!

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