Cream cheese chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a rich cream cheese sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing meal for family gatherings. Serve it with your favorite sides for a hearty and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy: The smooth cream cheese sauce elevates the flavor of the chicken.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies for a complete meal.
- Family-friendly: A dish that everyone will love.
- Customizable: Add herbs, spices, or vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Olive oil or butter
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Chicken broth
- Cream cheese (softened)
- Heavy cream
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: fresh parsley, red pepper flakes
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 5–7 minutes per side). Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low and whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until fully combined and creamy.
- Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with your choice of side dishes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary for a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
- Vegetable Additions: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gruyère for an even richer sauce.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream for a similar creamy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes, or microwave it for 15 seconds.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, and reheat just before serving.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat on low when adding cream cheese and cream, and whisk constantly for a smooth sauce.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Parmesan adds a rich flavor, but you can use Asiago, Romano, or a mild cheese like Gouda.
What sides pair well with cream cheese chicken?
Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables are all excellent choices.
Can I add bacon to this dish?
Absolutely! Cooked, crumbled bacon makes a delicious topping or mix-in.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for the best results.
Conclusion
Cream cheese chicken is a comforting and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, it’s a meal that pairs perfectly with almost any side. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to make!
PrintCream Cheese Chicken
Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this Cream Cheese Chicken is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with a luscious cream cheese sauce. Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s an easy dinner option for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sauce:
- 200 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 250 ml (1 cup) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and thyme)
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) heavy cream or milk
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Prepare and Sear the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until it begins to melt and combine.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth sauce.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
- Cover and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce is thickened.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain the creamy texture.