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Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

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4.2 from 5 reviews

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and simple skillet dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 large chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (Philadelphia, 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)

Instructions

  1. Soften the Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed to help it melt easily into the sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces, then season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
  4. Sauté Onions: Lower the skillet heat to medium. Add chopped onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned to build flavor for the sauce.
  5. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, allowing the garlic aroma to develop without burning.
  6. Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, add the softened cream cheese pieces, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth, which may take a few minutes.
  7. Combine and Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring gently to coat and warm through the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Softening the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce ensures a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
  • You can adjust the heat level by increasing or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes based on your preference.
  • For a lower fat version, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and less butter or oil.
  • Serving suggestions: pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta.