Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick and comforting dinner, this one-pan stovetop dish combines sautéed onions and garlic with a smooth, spicy cheese sauce for a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes.
- Author: mia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 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)
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, about 20-30 seconds on high depending on your microwave. Cut into smaller pieces and set aside to use later in the sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise creating four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the same skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 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 continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Warm Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning some sauce over each piece. Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top, if desired, and serve immediately enjoying the creamy and flavorful chicken dish.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a milder sauce, omit crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to complement the rich sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: cream cheese chicken, creamy chicken recipe, stovetop chicken, easy dinner, chicken with cream sauce, quick chicken recipe