Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a creamy, delicious, and satisfying dish thatโ€™s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream cheese sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser thatโ€™s incredibly simple to make.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Itโ€™s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
  • The creamy, cheesy sauce pairs wonderfully with chicken and your favorite sides.
  • Made with just a few simple ingredients you likely already have.
  • A versatile recipe that allows you to customize with herbs, spices, or vegetables.
  • Comfort food at its best, bringing a rich and hearty meal to your table.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breasts
  • Cream cheese
  • Chicken broth
  • Garlic
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt and pepper
  • Butter or olive oil
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sautรฉ until fragrant. Lower the heat and add cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Simmer for a few minutes until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
  5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with your choice of sides.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: This recipe serves 4.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Toss in sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for added nutrients.
  • Herb Infusion: Incorporate herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to enhance the flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hint of heat.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a lactose-free version.
  • Make it a Casserole: Layer the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta and bake for a creamy, baked dish.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring to avoid separating the sauce.
  • Freezing: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and add extra juiciness to the dish.

2. How can I prevent the cream cheese sauce from curdling?

Ensure the heat is low when melting the cream cheese and stir continuously for a smooth sauce.

3. What sides pair best with this recipe?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables complement this dish beautifully.

4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, store separately, and combine when reheating.

5. Is it possible to use light cream cheese?

Absolutely, light cream cheese works well for a lighter version of the dish.

6. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the chicken with the sauce in a slow cooker on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

7. What can I use instead of chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or white wine can be used as substitutes for chicken broth.

8. How can I thicken the sauce if itโ€™s too thin?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) to thicken the sauce.

9. Can I add cheese on top?

Yes, sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.

10. Whatโ€™s the best way to reheat this dish without drying it out?

Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to maintain the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful dishes. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, itโ€™s a fantastic addition to your recipe collection. Whether youโ€™re serving it on a busy weeknight or for a special dinner, this dish is sure to delight everyone at the table.

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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection and enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian herbs. This comforting dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 23 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced lengthwise into cutlets
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:ย Season both sides of the chicken cutlets with salt and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken:ย In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cutlets and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sautรฉ Garlic:ย In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sautรฉ for about 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  4. Deglaze the Pan:ย Pour in about ยผ cup of the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a spatula.
  5. Create the Sauce:ย Add the softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, and another ยผ cup of chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
  6. Thin the Sauce:ย Pour in the remaining chicken broth and stir well to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  7. Incorporate Parmesan:ย Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If you prefer a hint of heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage.
  8. Combine Chicken and Sauce:ย Return the cooked chicken cutlets to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over them. Let them simmer together for a minute to meld the flavors.
  9. Serve:ย Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Vegetable Additions:ย For added nutrition, consider incorporating sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes into the sauce. Sautรฉ the vegetables after cooking the garlic, before deglazing the pan.
  • Storage:ย Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

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