Looking for an easy, creamy, and comforting chicken dinner? This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is just what you need! Juicy chicken breasts are smothered in a rich and velvety cream cheese sauce, creating the perfect combination of flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or something a bit more special, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with rice, mashed potatoes, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
Ingredients
To make this creamy, irresistible Cream Cheese Chicken, you’ll need:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Substitutions
Chicken – You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Cream Cheese – Swap for sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
Seasonings – Try substituting thyme with rosemary or adding some crushed red pepper flakes for a little spice.
Chicken Broth – Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Stir in the softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into the broth, creating a creamy sauce.
Add parmesan cheese (if using) and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over it, and simmer for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Mix-Ins
Veggies – Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrients.
Bacon – Crumbled crispy bacon added to the sauce or sprinkled on top of the chicken gives an extra savory crunch.
Cheese – Top with shredded mozzarella, cheddar, or Gruyère for a cheesy finish.
Recipe Tips
Avoid overcooking the chicken – To keep the chicken moist, use a meat thermometer to check that it reaches 165°F internally.
Cream cheese tip – Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to the skillet to avoid lumps in the sauce.
Thicker sauce – If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer a little longer or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning the sauce. You can also microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe Variations
Garlic Cream Cheese Chicken – Add extra minced garlic to the sauce for more flavor.
Creamy Spinach Chicken – Stir in fresh spinach to the sauce for a pop of color and added nutrients.
Crockpot Cream Cheese Chicken – Cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the cream cheese sauce for 4 hours on low for a hands-off meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking for even searing and cooking.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can use mozzarella, gouda, or even a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile.
What do I serve this with?
This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or steamed veggies.
This Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal that will impress everyone at your table. With its creamy, rich sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to make. 🍗🧀 Try it today and enjoy a creamy, comforting dish that everyone will love!
Cream Cheese Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and paprika on both sides.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear them for about 4-5 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Add the cream cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken in the Sauce
- Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, covering them with the creamy sauce.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let the chicken cook in the sauce for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle the cooked chicken with chopped parsley (optional) for a fresh finish.
- Serve the chicken with your favorite sides, such as rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Pro Tips:
- ✔ Add vegetables – Throw in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers while making the sauce for extra flavor.
- ✔ Make it spicy – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- ✔ For a creamier sauce, add more cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips:
- Fridge: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving
