If you’re craving a comforting, rich, and utterly delightful meal, this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe hits every note perfectly. Tender chicken breasts seared to golden perfection swim in a velvety sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and a cozy blend of herbs and spices. The result is a creamy, flavorful dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly straightforward to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings warmth and deliciousness to your table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple but essential ingredients is the first step towards creating a dish packed with flavor and a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. Each component plays its part in building that luscious sauce and perfectly cooked chicken.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite cut for juicy, tender chicken that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a golden crust without sticking.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances flavor with a gentle savory note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors.
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese (softened): The heart of the creamy sauce, offering rich and smooth texture.
- ½ cup chicken broth: Helps to loosen the sauce and introduce savory undertones.
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess): Elevates the sauce to irresistibly lush, though feel free to skip if you prefer it lighter.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses the dish with a sharp, cheesy punch and subtle nuttiness.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley: Brings a fragrant herbal brightness that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick of heat for those who like a little spice.
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives (for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten the presentation and add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning mix is essential for building the foundational flavors that will shine through when combined with the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a beautiful golden crust that seals in juices and adds wonderful texture. Once seared, remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the chicken broth into the same skillet to deglaze, scraping up those tasty browned bits from the bottom. Add the softened cream cheese and stir gently until it melts completely, turning into a smooth, luscious sauce that’s anything but ordinary.
Step 4: Enrich the Sauce
Add sour cream if you want that extra creamy touch, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning or parsley for herbal notes, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a hint of spice. Allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken back to the skillet. Cover the pan and let it simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes. This final simmer makes sure your chicken is cooked through, tender, and juicy, while soaking up all the delightful creamy flavors.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the luscious sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives, and serve it hot. This finishing touch not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh, herbal aroma that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives are perfectly suited to top your Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe. They add a refreshing brightness and contrast to the creamy sauce. For a touch of elegance and texture, a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a few red pepper flakes can also elevate the plate visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes soak up the sauce wonderfully for a comforting meal. Steamed vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, add color and balance to the richness. For a lighter option, try serving alongside fluffy rice or your favorite pasta to create a hearty, satisfying dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
Get a little playful by serving the Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe over a bed of sautéed spinach or mushrooms for added earthiness and nutrition. Alternatively, slice the chicken and serve it as a filling for hearty sandwiches or wraps, making for a fun meal that’s perfect for lunch or casual dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce keeps its flavor well, although the chicken may firm up slightly. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken or breaking the sauce.
Freezing
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe freezes well! Place cooled chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a quick meal, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain the creamy texture and tender chicken.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent it from separating. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, ensuring the dish warms evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent choice if you prefer meat that’s extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through and tender.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies on cream cheese and Parmesan for its signature creaminess, so substituting with dairy-free cream cheese and a suitable cheese alternative might work, but expect changes in flavor and texture. Experiment with your favorite dairy-free products to find a combination you love.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and combine them when ready to serve. This way, you save time on busy days and still enjoy the freshly heated flavors of the Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe.
What can I add for extra vegetables?
Spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes make fantastic additions. Add them to the skillet when simmering the sauce for a boost of color, flavor, and nutrition without overpowering the creamy goodness.
How spicy is this dish?
The recipe includes optional crushed red pepper flakes, which add a gentle warmth but aren’t overpowering. Feel free to adjust the quantity to suit your taste, or leave them out for a mild, family-friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
Ready to elevate your dinner game? This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity and indulgence in one pan. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for cozy nights in or impressing guests with minimal effort. Go ahead and give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
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Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free,Low Carb
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce made from cream cheese, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs. This easy stovetop recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and low-carb.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning or dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This helps to build flavor right from the start.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Once seared, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low, then add chicken broth and softened cream cheese to the same skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in sour cream (if using), Parmesan cheese, dried Italian seasoning or parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors and thicken slightly.
- Simmer the Chicken: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, cover with a lid, and simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. This allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to finish cooking in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the rich cream cheese sauce generously over the chicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor, then serve hot over your favorite side.
Notes
- Serve this creamy chicken over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- For a one-pan variation, add fresh spinach or mushrooms to the sauce while it simmers to incorporate extra veggies.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
