Let’s talk comfort food. You know those nights when takeout is screaming your name, but you *really* want something homemade?Can you make cream cheese chicken?What is my secret weapon? It’s like chicken pot pie, but without all the fussy crust work. Is it easier to order pizza than ordering a pizza? I promise, even the pickiest eaters in your house will be begging for seconds – mine do, every time.
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What is cream cheese chicken?
Think of Cream Cheese Chicken: What are some goodHow do you make a creamy chicken casserole? What’s in this chicken sauce? What is cream cheese? The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. We’re talking minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and maximum flavor payoff. Is there any fancy cooking equipment needed? What is that “throw it all in a pan and bake” kind of meal that busy weeknights were made for? What is the best part about it?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How many times have I loved this person?What is cream cheese chicken?… First, the flavor is out of this world! The cream cheese melts into a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken perfectly, creating a wonderfully comforting and savory dish. It’s rich without being heavy, and the subtle tang of the cream cheese balances the savory chicken beautifully. I often add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick – so good!
But beyond the incredible taste, what I love most is how incredibly easy it is to make. Honestly, it takes me maybe 10 minutes to prep, and then the oven does all the work. Talk about a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights! It’s way more satisfying than boxed mac and cheese, and probably just as easy.
And let’s not forget the cost-efficiency! This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Chicken thighs are my go-to for this recipe, they’re so much more flavorful and budget-friendly than breasts. And it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even just eat it straight from the pan with some crusty bread for dipping. I’ve even used the leftovers to make amazing chicken salad sandwiches. So, if you’re looking for something comforting, easy and budget-friendly – you’ve found the jackpot. It’s a similar vibe to my creamy tomato soup, but with protein!
How do I make cream cheese chicken?
Quick Overview
Making What is cream cheese chicken?Cook chicken in a sauce made of cream cheese, milk, and seasonings. Serve warm or cold. What is the best way to bake it until golden brown? How does the oven transform simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and comforting meal? What is the secret to having Parmesan cheese on top of a salad? What are some of the best recipes for baking? It’s my personal touch!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Cream Cheese Chicken?
* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces (Chicken breasts work too, but thighs are moister!)
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Full-fat is best for flavor, but you can use reduced-fat if you prefer)
* 1 cup milk (I’ve used everything from whole milk to almond milk – they all work!)
* 1/2 cup chicken broth (Low-sodium is my preference)
* 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix (The secret ingredient that adds so much flavor!)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Optional: Pinch of red pepper flakes (for a little kick!)
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use cooking spray, but a little olive oil works great too. This will prevent the oil from sticking to your skin.What is cream cheese chicken?How do you prevent a nail from sticking and make cleanup incredibly easy?
Step 2: Cook Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Set aside. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. What is the best time to cook chicken? Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of brown. If you need to, cook it in batches. I always season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, milk, chicken broth, Ranch dressing mix, and garlic. Set aside. What are the ingredients for onion powder, paprika, salt and pepper? Whisk until smooth and creamy. Make sure the cream cheese is really softened, otherwise you’ll end up with lumps in your sauce. I sometimes microwave it for 30 seconds to help it soften up.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked chicken to the cream cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure all the chicken pieces are nicely covered in that delicious sauce. Where does magic happen?
Step 5: Bake
In a large baking dish, pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it out evenly. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it over the top now. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end of baking to prevent it from burning.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Let the What is cream cheese chicken?Let cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up slightly. Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This What is cream cheese chicken?Is incredibly versatile and goes well with so many things!
For a Classic Dinner: For the classic dinner:Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. What is a good side salad with green beans? What is the best sauce to serve over mashed potatoes?
For a Comfort Food Feast:What are some of the best cheesy biscuits you’ve ever had? What are some good side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese?
For a lighter option:Serve with roasted vegetables, like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. Can you serve it over quinoa or cauliflower rice?
My Family Favorite: I love to serve this with a side of garlic bread for dipping in the creamy sauce. My kids absolutely devour it this way!
When it comes to sides, the sky’s the limit. What are some of the best side dishes to serve? Have fun with it! I often make a big batch of roasted veggies – carrots, potatoes, and broccoli – while the chicken is grilled. I like to cook it with sour cream. What is a good way to round out your meal? Less mess means more time to relax and enjoy your delicious dinner!
What are some tips for perfecting a cream cheese chicken?
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that will help you make the best decisions.What is cream cheese chicken? ever!
Cream Cheese:Make sure your cream cheese is really soft before you mix it into the sauce. This will prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it for 30 seconds.Chicken:I prefer to use chicken thighs because they are more flavorful and stay moist during baking. What are the best chicken breasts? Just be careful not to overcook them, or they will become dry. How do you cut chicken into equal pieces?Ranch Dressing Mix: Ranch dressing mixWhat is the secret ingredient in Ranch dressing? I’ve tried making it without, and it’s just not the same.Variations: Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers to the sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top during the last few minutes of baking. I have tried adding some hot sauce for a little heat and it was fantastic!
Baking: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with foil to prevent it from burning. I usually bake it uncovered for the first 20 minutes, then tent it with foil for the last 5-10 minutes. I like to broil it for the last minute for that golden brown look!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Storing: Leftover cream cheese chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing it. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy lunches.
Reheating: You can reheat the chicken in the microwave, oven, or on the stovetop. For the microwave, heat it in 30-second intervals until heated through. For the oven, bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. For the stovetop, heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Freezing: This dish can also be frozen for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but it will still taste delicious. I recommend freezing it in individual portions for easy meal prepping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This cream cheese chicken recipe is a true gem – a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and I promise you won’t be disappointed. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy casserole recipes. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know if you tried this recipe and what you thought!
Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: 7 Reasons Why It's the Best Comfort Food!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs around 6 ounces each
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 cups chicken stock
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 3 teaspoons onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 1.25 cups shredded mozzarella cheese for topping
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken thighs for 4 minutes on each side until golden.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken stock, allowing it to simmer and reduce for 2 minutes. Stir in the cream cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Add basil and crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Place chicken thighs in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cream cheese sauce over the chicken evenly.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Optionally, broil for the last 2 minutes to brown the cheese. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy with sides like mashed potatoes or sautéed vegetables.
