Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious meal. In just 30 minutes, you can create a creamy garlic herb sauce that elevates simple chicken breasts into a flavorful dish. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this meal is sure to impress while being incredibly easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic herb sauce transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal.
• Versatile Ingredients: Made with pantry staples and easily adaptable to your taste preferences.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and minimal carbs, this dish fits well into many dietary plans.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it with fresh parsley, and it looks as good as it tastes!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Microwave
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken and helps develop flavors in the sauce.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes cutting the chicken breasts easier and safer.
• Spatula: This tool is essential for flipping the chicken without breaking it apart, ensuring a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients

This easy cream cheese chicken is a 30-minute meal made with pantry staples! Transform a block of cream cheese into the best creamy garlic herb sauce.

For the Sauce

• 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) (softened)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts
• 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)

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Begin by microwaving the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have four thinner pieces. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth, then add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until smooth; this may take a few minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Warm through. If necessary, thin out the sauce with more chicken broth. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if using before serving immediately.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This easy cream cheese chicken is versatile and can be served in multiple delightful ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your meal.

Over Rice

• Serve the creamy chicken over a bed of steamed rice for a filling and satisfying dish. The sauce will soak into the rice, making every bite delicious.

With Pasta

• Toss the chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta for a comforting meal. Use fettuccine or penne to capture the creamy goodness.

On a Salad

• Slice the cooked chicken and place it on a fresh salad. The rich cream cheese sauce can serve as a tasty dressing alternative.

In Tacos

• Shred the chicken and fill corn or flour tortillas for a fun taco night. Top with avocado and fresh salsa for added flavor.

As a Sandwich

• Layer the creamy chicken on toasted bread or a bun for a hearty sandwich. Add lettuce and tomato for crunch.

How to Perfect Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

To achieve the best results with this recipe, follow these helpful tips.

• Use softened cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing to achieve a smooth sauce without lumps.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste the sauce as you cook and adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
• Cook chicken evenly: Make sure to cut the chicken breasts evenly so they cook through at the same rate.
• Thin out the sauce if needed: If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
• Garnish for presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances flavor, making your dish look more appetizing.
• Serve immediately: For optimal taste and texture, serve the dish right after cooking while it’s hot and creamy.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Pairing sides with easy cream cheese chicken can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a rich complement to this dish.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a healthy crunch that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers brings brightness to your meal.
5. Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, serve cauliflower rice seasoned with herbs as a base for this creamy chicken.
6. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds texture and sweetness that balances out the richness of the dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using cold cream cheese – Always soften the cream cheese before using it. Cold cream cheese can create lumps in your sauce, making it less creamy.
• Overcooking the chicken – Ensure you cook the chicken just until it reaches 165°F. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.
• Ignoring seasoning – Don’t skip on salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances flavors significantly. Taste as you go to adjust accordingly.
• Not sautéing onions enough – Sauté the onions until they are lightly browned for maximum sweetness and flavor. This step adds depth to your sauce.
• Rushing the sauce – Allow sufficient time for the sauce to become smooth. Stirring patiently ensures a creamy consistency without lumps.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

• Place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop – Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish made by cooking chicken breasts in a creamy garlic herb sauce made from softened cream cheese.

How long does it take to make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Can I customize the flavors in Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

Absolutely! You can add different herbs or spices like thyme or rosemary to suit your taste preferences.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even beef if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is Easy Cream Cheese Chicken healthy?

With lean chicken breasts and minimal added fats, this dish is relatively healthy while still being rich in flavor.

Final Thoughts

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is not only quick but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with various herbs and spices. It’s a great way to enjoy a comforting meal that’s packed with flavor. Try this easy recipe today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Whip up a delectable Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. This dish features succulent chicken breasts enveloped in a creamy garlic herb sauce made from softened cream cheese. With minimal effort, you can elevate a simple meal into an impressive feast that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether served over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh salad greens, this recipe is versatile and adaptable to suit your flavor preferences. Plus, it packs a healthy punch with lean protein and minimal carbs, making it a fantastic option for any dinner table.

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Ingredients

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• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Soften cream cheese in the microwave and set aside.
2. Cut chicken breasts in half lengthwise; season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; cook chicken until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes per side), then transfer to a plate.
4. Sauté chopped onions in the same skillet for 5-7 minutes until softened.
5. Add minced garlic; cook for an additional 30 seconds.
6. Pour in chicken broth and stir in softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
7. Return chicken to the skillet to warm through; adjust sauce consistency with more broth if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 piece (170g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg