Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. A quick skillet meal perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Aromatics
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philadelphia, 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 Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until it becomes very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to make mixing easier later.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces, then season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the onions are soft and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Warm: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Warm through, and if the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve the creamy chicken immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use full-fat cream cheese to ensure a rich and creamy sauce.
- You can substitute chicken breasts with skinless chicken thighs if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- If you prefer a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken breast half with sauce)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
