Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. It’s a quick and comforting dish that combines sautéed chicken with a rich, smooth sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice, pasta, or alongside vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut into 4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 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
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed to help it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the Onions: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned, which builds the base flavor for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy; this may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the creamy sauce. Warm through for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy chicken at its best.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- If you prefer spicier dishes, increase the crushed red pepper flakes slightly.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to 165°F internally for safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
