Name: Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened; 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 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

If weeknight dinners ever needed a secret weapon, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is it! In just 30 minutes, you can serve up juicy chicken nestled in the dreamiest garlic-herb cream cheese sauce. The best part? This dish is all about pantry staples working their magic—no fancy ingredients needed, just straight-up comfort in every creamy, garlicky bite. Whether you’re wrangling picky eaters or hosting friends, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken guarantees empty plates and requests for seconds!

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the simplicity that makes this dish a standout! Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and a hint of color—nothing unnecessary, just a handful of essentials that deliver maximum impact.

Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): The creamy star of the show—softened for a perfectly smooth, dreamy sauce.
Chicken breasts (2 large): Sliced and seared, they’re the juicy foundation for every bite.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mellow, deep garlic flavor right into the seasoning.
Salt & pepper (to taste): Brings everything together—never skip the basics!
Butter (1 tablespoon): For golden, rich flavor and perfect sautéing.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps prevent the butter from burning while adding an extra layer of richness.
Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Softens into the sauce, lending sweetness and depth.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gets a starring role for extra punch.
Chicken broth (3/4 cup): Creates the velvety body of the sauce while layering on savory notes.
Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings herbaceous brightness to balance the richness.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle kick and subtle warmth; adjust to taste.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness at the finish—totally optional but highly recommended.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Soften and Prep the Cream Cheese

Microwave your cream cheese until it’s almost irresistibly soft—about 20–30 seconds does the trick. Slice it into smaller chunks and set aside, so when it’s time to make the sauce, you’re ready to whip up something luxuriously smooth.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Use a sharp knife to slice each chicken breast in half horizontally, creating four thinner cutlets. Sprinkle each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, making sure each side gets a flavorful dusting. This upfront seasoning sets up those golden, savory hints in every mouthful.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your chicken pieces—and let them sizzle! Cook about 5–6 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden and fully cooked through (165°F is the golden number). Move the chicken to a plate to rest while you prep the sauce.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

Turn the heat down to medium, then toss in your chopped onions. Give them 5–7 minutes to soften and develop some gentle color, stirring occasionally—it’s worth the patience! Add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Make That Creamy Sauce

Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, then add your reserved cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir, stir, stir! It takes a couple of minutes for the cream cheese to melt and blend into a silky, luscious sauce. Don’t worry if it seems thick at first—just keep stirring, and watch it transform.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Nestle the chicken back into the skillet and spoon some sauce over the top. Let everything warm through for a couple of minutes. If you prefer a thinner sauce, just add a splash more chicken broth. Taste and adjust with any extra salt and pepper, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Serve right away for the full Easy Cream Cheese Chicken experience!

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley brings color and a burst of herbal freshness that balances the creamy sauce. For a special twist, try a dusting of cracked black pepper or parmesan cheese shavings right before serving—utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with a mound of fluffy mashed potatoes or a simple bowl of buttered egg noodles to soak up that beautiful cream cheese sauce. For lighter fare, serve it with steamed broccoli or a crisp mixed green salad to keep things bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the chicken and fanning it over a bed of pasta for ultimate comfort-food vibes. Or, spoon the creamy sauce over roasted vegetables if you’re adding a veggie forward twist. For entertaining, slice the chicken bite-sized and serve it as decadent sliders or on little toasts—Easy Cream Cheese Chicken shines in every form!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors get even cozier as they mingle, so leftovers are a real treat!

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag (press out the air to avoid freezer burn). It’ll keep well for up to two months. Remember to label and date your container so you don’t forget about this gem.

Reheating

To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to help the sauce regain its smooth, creamy texture. Be patient and stir often—slow and gentle heating means the sauce stays luscious and the chicken stays juicy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work wonderfully and bring extra juiciness. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may need a minute or two more to cook through.

What if I forget to soften the cream cheese?

Don’t worry! Just pop it in the microwave for 20–30 seconds. Aim for a very soft, almost spreadable texture so your sauce comes together without any lumps.

How spicy is the Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

With only a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, it’s just a touch warm—not truly spicy. Feel free to add more or omit it entirely, depending on your crowd’s preferences.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the sauce a day in advance, then gently reheat it before serving. If it thickens in the fridge, just add a little more broth as you warm it up.

Will light or reduced-fat cream cheese work?

You can use light cream cheese, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy and rich. For the best texture and flavor, full-fat cream cheese is the way to go for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, comforting dinner that feels downright decadent, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is here to save the day. Once you taste that creamy sauce and juicy chicken combo, it’ll become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try and watch your family fall in love—one bite of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken at a time!

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe