Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made with softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and aromatic spices. A simple skillet meal that comes together quickly, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside for easier melting later.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the onions are softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which should take a few minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over, and warm through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is very soft for easier melting and a smoother sauce.
- Using thinner chicken pieces helps the chicken cook evenly and faster.
- Feel free to adjust the crushed red pepper flakes for your preferred spice level.
- Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator is best within 3 days.
