Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: A Flavorful and Creamy Delight
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious dish that combines the richness of cream cheese with the savory flavors of chicken and herbs. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare, making it a great option for both family meals and special occasions. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, perfectly complements the tender chicken breasts.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened (e.g., Philadelphia brand)
- Chicken Breasts: 2 large, halved lengthwise to make four pieces
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Butter: 1 tablespoon
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Onion: 1/2 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 3/4 cup
- Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, optional for garnish
Directions
- Prepare Cream Cheese:
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave until very soft. Cut into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken:
- Season the chicken breast halves with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust heat as necessary to avoid any burning.
- Combine and Serve:
- Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it well with the sauce and warming through. Add more chicken broth if necessary to adjust the sauce consistency.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Preparation Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4 servings
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is not only delicious but also versatile. Serve it over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. The creamy, rich sauce paired with the tender, flavorful chicken makes for a dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the simplicity and elegance of this delightful recipe any night of the week!
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a dish that epitomizes home comfort with a touch of elegance, making it ideal for both a quiet family dinner and entertaining guests. The creamy sauce, enriched with Italian seasoning and a hint of garlic, perfectly complements the tender, juicy chicken breasts.
Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened (e.g., Philadelphia brand)
2 large chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and 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, for garnish
Instructions
Soften the cream cheese in the microwave until very soft. Cut into smaller pieces and set aside.
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a skillet, melt butter with olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Transfer chicken to a plate.
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, then add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth, adjusting heat as necessary.
Return the chicken to the skillet and warm through. Add more chicken broth if needed to thin the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400