Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce made from softened cream cheese, garlic, onions, and chicken broth. This skillet-cooked recipe is simple and perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 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
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut into smaller pieces and set aside until needed to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner pieces. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to build flavor.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce heat to medium and add chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, developing sweetness and depth.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to release fragrance without burning.
- Create Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, then add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Finish Dish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, warming through in the sauce. If needed, thin the sauce with a splash more chicken broth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is softened well to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to 165°F for safety.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to preferred spice level.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken breast half with sauce)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
