Cream Cheese Chicken

By: Maria
Posted: 04/11/2025

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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can partially prepare this dish ahead of time. You can sear the chicken breasts and make the sauce up to a day in advance. Store the seared chicken and sauce separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet, add the chicken, and simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For longer storage, you can freeze the fully cooked dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What are the best substitutions for cream cheese?

If you’re out of cream cheese, you can substitute it with sour cream or Greek yogurt. For a tangier flavor, use an equal amount of sour cream (8 oz for 8 oz of cream cheese). If using Greek yogurt, use a slightly smaller amount (about 6 oz) and consider adding a tablespoon of butter to the sauce to maintain the richness and prevent it from becoming too tart. Remember to adjust the seasonings as needed, as sour cream and Greek yogurt have different flavor profiles.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. Visually, the chicken should be opaque white throughout, with no pink remaining. The juices should run clear when pierced with a fork. Texturally, the chicken should be firm but still slightly yielding to the touch.

Can I double or triple this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe?

Yes, you can easily scale up this recipe. For doubling, use 8 chicken breasts, 16 oz of cream cheese, 1 cup of chicken broth, and double the seasonings. You may need to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly, so monitor the chicken’s internal temperature. When tripling the recipe, consider using two skillets or a larger oven-safe dish for even cooking.

What is the nutritional value of Cream Cheese Chicken?

Cream Cheese Chicken provides a good source of protein from the chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are also a good source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth. The cream cheese adds calcium and fat. The dish also contains vitamins and minerals from the chicken broth and optional vegetables. Consider serving with a side of vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost the vitamin and fiber content.