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
Scale
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.
