Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, delicious weeknight dinner that’s both easy and indulgent, then you can’t miss out on my Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe. This dish is genuinely one of those magical meals where creamy, garlicky sauce meets tender chicken—all cooked in one pan. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe combines classic, simple flavors with a few pantry staples that come together beautifully. I always recommend using fresh garlic and a good quality chicken broth to elevate the taste.

• Cream cheese: Use a full block of cream cheese, softened, for the creamiest sauce without any graininess.
• Chicken breasts: Opt for boneless and skinless to keep things tender and easy to slice thinly.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle but essential layer of garlicky flavor on the chicken.
• Salt & pepper: Season generously; don’t be shy—it brings out the best in the chicken and sauce.
• Butter and olive oil: Combining these fats gives great flavor and prevents burning when searing the chicken.
• Onion: Chopped, it softens and sweetens nicely to balance the rich sauce.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds brightness and a wonderful aroma.
• Chicken broth: Provides depth and helps create a silky sauce when combined with the cream cheese.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds savory notes without extra effort.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: A pinch gives the dish a subtle kick—you can adjust this based on your heat tolerance.
• Fresh parsley (optional): I love adding a sprinkle at the end—adds freshness and a pop of color.

Variations

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is super versatile, and I encourage you to make it your own! Over the years, I’ve tried tweaking it in small ways to keep things interesting.

• Add veggies: I love throwing in some baby spinach or mushrooms while the onions cook for an extra nutrient boost.
• Swap Italian seasoning: If you want a smoky vibe, try smoked paprika instead—my family enjoyed that twist a lot.
• Make it spicy: Add a few more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
• Low-carb option: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly meal.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Cream Cheese and Chicken

Microwave the cream cheese for about 20-30 seconds until super soft—this helps it melt easily into the sauce later. Meanwhile, slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise so you end up with four thin pieces. This not only helps them cook quickly but also ensures they stay juicy. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I find seasoning right before cooking is key for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once the pan is hot (you’ll see a shimmer in the oil), add the chicken pieces in a single layer without overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to 165°F. Patience here pays off—don’t rush flipping or you’ll lose that nice crust. Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Build Flavor With Onions and Garlic

Lower the heat to medium and toss in the chopped onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and lightly caramelized—this sweetness is what makes the sauce so good. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds; garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese fully melts and the sauce becomes smooth and glossy. It takes a few minutes, but don’t rush it—this is the magic step that brings it all together. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit more broth to get your desired consistency.

Step 5: Finish by Warming the Chicken in the Sauce

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into that luscious sauce. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if you like that fresh, herbal pop—I do!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds such a nice pop of color and freshness. Sometimes, I also add a little grated Parmesan on top just before serving for that extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a crisp garden salad to balance the richness. Lately, I’ve been serving it over egg noodles, which soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve plated this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe on a bed of roasted garlic and herb-infused polenta—it elevates the dish with subtle flavors and makes it look restaurant-worthy. Adding a lemon wedge on the side also brightens up each bite beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with success. Just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawed, the sauce may separate slightly, but a quick stir while reheating fixes that right away.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce creamy without drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. It’s simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, yet indulgent enough to feel like a special treat. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and when you do, don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a go-to favorite in your kitchen, too!

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