Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Tender chicken is cooked in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, making it an irresistible meal that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
- Creamy and flavorful, perfect for the whole family.
- Versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Can be made in a skillet, oven, or slow cooker.
- Great for leftovers and meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter
For the Cream Cheese Sauce
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Chicken broth
- Garlic cloves (minced)
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
Optional Add-Ins
- Spinach or kale for a healthy twist
- Sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor
- Mushrooms for a hearty addition
Directions
Skillet Method:
- Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan. Gradually whisk in the cream cheese until smooth. - Season and Thicken:
Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. - Combine:
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. - Serve:
Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, garnished with parsley if desired.
Slow Cooker Method:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add softened cream cheese, chicken broth, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Stir the sauce to combine and shred the chicken if desired before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (skillet) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: 35 minutes (skillet) or 6–8 hours (slow cooker)
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of pasta or rice.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for extra creaminess.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh basil or parsley to enhance the flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking for even results.
2. How do I prevent the cream cheese sauce from curdling?
Use softened cream cheese and stir it gradually into the warm broth for a smooth consistency.
3. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, pork chops or turkey cutlets work well as substitutes for chicken.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you ensure the chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cream cheese and substitute the Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
6. What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce.
8. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
9. What can I add to the sauce for extra flavor?
Try adding a splash of white wine or lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure your skillet or slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased quantity.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Chicken is a comforting, versatile dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a family favorite that works for any occasion. Whether you’re making it on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. Serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s sure to please!
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Cream Cheese Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stove-Top Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s easy to make. With tender chicken simmered in a rich cream cheese sauce, it pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a cozy, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Season the chicken:
- In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture over both sides of the chicken breasts.
- Sear the chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce:
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Add the seasonings:
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Combine chicken and sauce:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Serve:
- Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and garnish with chopped parsley or basil. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Protein options: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.