If you’re craving a dish that’s both indulgently creamy and packed with comforting flavors, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious cream cheese sauce that’s seasoned just right, this recipe hits all the right notes for a weeknight dinner or when guests come knocking unexpectedly. It’s simple to prepare but delivers a restaurant-quality experience that’s satisfying and heartwarming every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s incredible about this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each element plays a role, whether it’s the richness of cream cheese, the savoriness of garlic, or the gentle heat from crushed red pepper flakes. These ingredients ensure great taste, lovely texture, and a gorgeous golden color on your plate.
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly): Softened to melt perfectly into that creamy sauce you’ll love.
- 2 large chicken breasts: Cut into thinner pieces for quick, even cooking and tenderness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow garlic punch without overpowering.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce to your liking.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Brings buttery richness and helps with browning the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a healthy fat and prevents sticking in the pan.
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped): Softens and caramelizes to add sweetness and depth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh for aromatic, vibrant flavor.
- 3/4 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful, perfect for balancing creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that bring classic Mediterranean charm.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle kick to brighten the dish.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste): Adds a fresh pop of color and mild herbaceous glow when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese
Starting off, microwave the cream cheese just until it’s very soft—this makes it so much easier to stir smoothly into your sauce later on. Cut it into smaller pieces and set it aside; trust me, this little prep step will save you a lot of stirring time and frustration.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. This helps the chicken cook faster and stay tender. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This seasoning step is key for layering flavor right from the start.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan’s hot and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Cook them about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown with a gorgeous crust and cooked through to 165°F. Remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate—it’ll be reintroduced to the sauce soon.
Step 4: Sauté the Onions
Reduce heat to medium before adding the chopped onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until they’re soft, fragrant, and just beginning to turn golden brown. These caramelized onions add a beautiful sweetness that perfectly complements the creamy sauce ahead.
Step 5: Add the Garlic
Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just about 30 seconds. This quick step wakes up the garlic’s flavor without allowing it to burn and turn bitter.
Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, then add your softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir patiently—the cream cheese will slowly melt and combine with the broth into a luxuriously smooth sauce. This might take a few minutes but is so worth the wait for that velvety texture.
Step 7: Warm the Chicken in the Sauce
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let everything warm through together for a couple of minutes. If the sauce looks a little too thick, add a splash more broth to reach the perfect consistency. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish, and then serve right away.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is my go-to for this dish—it not only adds a burst of vibrant green color but also lifts the flavors with its mild herby freshness. A little cracked black pepper on top adds a nice texture contrast too. For extra flair, some lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice works wonders to cut through the richness and brighten up each bite.
Side Dishes
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides that soak up all that wonderful creamy sauce. Think garlic mashed potatoes, buttery rice, or even a crisp green salad for balance. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also add lovely textures and freshness that keep the meal feeling light and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this chicken sliced over a bed of creamy polenta or even buttered egg noodles. You could also present it in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and broiled for a golden crust. Another crowd-pleaser is to stuff the chicken breasts with a bit of spinach before cooking, then proceed with the sauce—it adds a surprise layer of flavor and color that will wow your family or guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You’re going to want to save any leftovers because this dish tastes just as amazing the next day. Store the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, but that’s an easy fix when reheating.
Freezing
Want to make this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe ahead for a busy week? Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain that creamy texture and juicy chicken.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the sauce from separating and the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully with this recipe and can add extra juiciness. Just adjust cooking times slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese?
You could experiment with mascarpone or a smooth ricotta, but cream cheese gives this sauce its signature tangy richness that’s hard to replicate. If needed, soften the substitute similarly before mixing in.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free twist, try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious and creamy.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat that most people find very mild. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste or omit it if you prefer no spice at all.
What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?
The safest method is using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. If you don’t have one, cutting into the thickest part should reveal no pinkness and clear juices.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope you give this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a comforting, elegant meal that anyone will rave about. Once you experience how creamy and flavorful it is, this recipe will definitely earn a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with softened cream cheese, garlic, onions, and a blend of spices. Cooked on the stovetop, this comforting dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs well with rice or vegetables.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (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 very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and transfer to a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Lower heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Create Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, warming through in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to cook chicken fully to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute cream cheese with a lighter version to reduce fat content.
- Serve with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- For a spicier dish, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
