Are you looking for a comforting, creamy, and flavorful chicken recipe? Cream Cheese Chicken is the answer! This easy-to-make dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Read on to learn how to make this crowd-pleaser and some tips to make it even better.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients make this dish perfect for busy nights.
- Versatile: Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of cream cheese, garlic, and spices creates a luscious sauce.
Ingredients
To make Cream Cheese Chicken, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Optional garnish: Fresh parsley or chopped green onions
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the chicken broth.
- Gradually stir in the cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece.
- Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Serve
Plate the chicken and drizzle with the creamy sauce. Garnish with parsley or green onions, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
- Customize the Flavor: Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth.
- Use a Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Make It Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
Suggested Pairings
- Pasta: Fettuccine or penne complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or roasted asparagus.
- Bread: Use crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 390
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken is a decadent dish that’s sure to impress your family or guests. With its creamy sauce and tender chicken, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Try it today and enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare!
Serving and Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken
Serving Tips
- Hot and Fresh: Serve the dish immediately after cooking to enjoy the creamy sauce at its best.
- Pairing Suggestions:
- Starches: Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Vegetables: Add a side of roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots.
- Salad: Serve alongside a crisp green salad to add freshness and contrast.
- Portioning: For larger gatherings, slice the chicken into smaller portions to make serving easier and ensure everyone gets a share of the delicious sauce.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Note: The creamy sauce may separate slightly when reheated, but whisking it while warming can help restore the texture.
- Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to avoid uneven heating.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Oven: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Pro Tips for Storing
- Sauce First: When storing, pour extra sauce over the chicken to keep it moist.
- Separate Components: If served with pasta or rice, store them separately to prevent sogginess.
By following these tips, you can enjoy your Cream Cheese Chicken fresh or as a delicious leftover meal!
1. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
Yes! If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use mascarpone, ricotta, or even Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. For a tangier flavor, try substituting with sour cream or crème fraîche.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the chicken and sauce up to a day in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a little chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
3. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?
Yes, Cream Cheese Chicken is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Pair it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or steamed greens for a complete meal.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add more flavor due to their higher fat content. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Cream Cheese Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy and flavorful chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a luscious cream cheese sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 lbs / 700g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or milk
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and Parmesan cheese (if using). Mix well until the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
3. Combine and Cook:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chicken simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
4. Serve:
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
- Pair with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and replace heavy cream with milk.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.