Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. This quick skillet recipe combines sautéed onions, garlic, and a flavorful broth-based sauce to deliver a luscious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), 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
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut into smaller pieces and set aside for later use.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onions: Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, then add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine and warm through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Warm everything through, adding a splash more chicken broth to thin the sauce if needed. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing to avoid lumps.
- You can use chicken thighs as an alternative for a juicier option.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
