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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.4 from 10 reviews

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with softened cream cheese, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and rich dish perfect for a weeknight dinner that pairs well with rice or steamed vegetables.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt & pepper (to taste)

Dairy and Fats

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)

Liquids and Spices

  • 3/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set it aside for when you’ll add it to the sauce.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces, then season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook chicken: Heat butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  4. Sauté onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become softened and lightly browned.
  5. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for a few minutes until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it with the sauce. Warm through for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, then serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
  • You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it lighter.
  • Serve with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.