Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a dinner recipe that’s both comforting and super simple, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re diving into Cream Cheese Chicken, a dish that offers a creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something delicious in a pinch. As a mom who’s always on the go, I appreciate meals that don’t require a lot of fuss but still impress the family.
And to be honest, who isn’t always looking to streamline kitchen time while keeping meal quality high? Let’s get you all set with some culinary magic. And if you’re in the mood for another quick and easy dinner, check out my One-Pan Garlic Butter Shrimp.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This recipe is a lifesaver for several reasons. First, the cream cheese chicken is rich and savory, making it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It only takes 30 minutes from start to finish, which means you can enjoy it even on your busiest days. Plus, the use of ingredients like garlic and Italian seasoning adds a nice depth of flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 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
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the ingredients
Start by microwaving the cream cheese until it’s very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set it aside.
Prepare the chicken
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. A little tip: Having thin chicken pieces means quicker, more even cooking.
Cook the chicken
In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until they’re golden and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate and set aside. (Trust me, it’s totally fine if your chicken isn’t perfectly golden – mine isn’t always pretty but tastes great!)
Cook the onions
Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and lightly browned.
Create the sauce
Add the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds so it doesn’t burn. Throw in the chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything until the sauce is smooth, which might take a couple of minutes.
Bring it all together
Place the chicken back in the skillet to warm it through. If the sauce looks too thick, go ahead and add a splash more chicken broth. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed. Garnish with parsley if you like and serve this deliciousness immediately.
Recipe tips & variations
- Chicken Variety: Feel free to use thighs instead of breasts if you prefer.
- Extra Flavor: Add a bit of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken with firm tofu for a meatless option.
Storage & reheating
Leftovers? No problem! Store any extra cream cheese chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, you can either warm it gently on the stove with a bit of extra chicken broth or pop it in the microwave until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can, but remember the sauce won’t be quite as creamy.
How do I know my chicken is cooked?
Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I freeze this dish?
You can, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly upon thawing.
What sides go well with this?
Serve with pasta, steamed rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipes you may like
If you enjoyed this Cream Cheese Chicken, you might love these other quick and easy recipes:
Cream Cheese Chicken: A Creamy Delight for Dinner Tonight
Sour Cream and Onion Chicken: A Creamy Dinner Delight
Until next time, happy cooking! Don’t hesitate to reach out if you try this recipe or have any questions. I love hearing from you and sharing our kitchen adventures together.
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Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A simple and comforting Cream Cheese Chicken recipe that offers a creamy, flavorful sauce paired with tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 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
- Microwave the cream cheese until it’s very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set it aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces. Sprinkle them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook each side for about 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Transfer them to a plate.
- Reduce the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and lightly browned.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth.
- Place the chicken back in the skillet to warm it through. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. Season with extra salt and pepper, if needed, and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Variety: Feel free to use thighs instead of breasts if you prefer.
- Extra Flavor: Add a bit of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken with firm tofu for a meatless option.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with extra chicken broth or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg