This Cream Cheese Chicken is quick, creamy, and oh-so-tasty! With just chicken, cream cheese, and a few spices, it transforms into a comforting dinner in no time.
I love how easy it is to make—just cook the chicken, mix in the cream cheese, and enjoy! It’s a perfect dish for busy nights when you want something warm and yummy! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish due to their quick cooking time. If you’re looking for a substitute, boneless thighs add a richer flavor, or tofu can be a great alternative for a vegetarian option.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the dish! You can use full-fat or reduced-fat, depending on your preference. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based cream cheese for a similar creamy texture.
Chicken Broth: The broth adds flavor and moisture. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist or even water in a pinch if you don’t have any on hand.
Italian Seasoning: This blend adds great flavor. If you don’t have it, herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil work well. I often mix in a little fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor if available!
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with medium heat and don’t rush—this helps the chicken brown nicely.
- Use a meat thermometer! The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking before slicing or serving. This keeps it juicy!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have wonderfully cooked chicken every time!
Cream Cheese Chicken – Easy and Creamy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- For the Sauce:
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
- Optional Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cream Cheese Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Your Skillet Ready:
First, grab a large skillet and preheat it over medium heat. Add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it warm up. This will help give the chicken that lovely golden brown crust!
2. Season the Chicken:
While the skillet is heating, take your 4 chicken breasts and season them well on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give wonderful flavor to your chicken!
3. Cook the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C). Once cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Let it cook gently, stirring often, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Carefully return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over them. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to allow those delicious flavors to meld together.
6. Finishing Touches:
If you’d like, garnish your Cream Cheese Chicken with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Serve hot and enjoy this lovely, comforting dinner!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting Cream Cheese Chicken dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Cream Cheese Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The safest way is to thaw it overnight in the fridge. For quicker thawing, you can place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed.
How Do I Store Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and the creamy sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat the chicken and sauce together on the stovetop until warmed through.
What Can I Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with various sides! Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also enjoy it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a lighter meal option.
