Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is the perfect choice! Featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, this dish is comfort food at its finest. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions:
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it starts to melt.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to create a smooth sauce.
Add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish Cooking:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over them.
Cover and cook on low heat for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley (if desired) and serve hot.
Serving Tips:
Sides: This creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it with steamed vegetables (like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus), mashed potatoes, or pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne) to complete the meal.
Garnish: Add a pop of color and freshness by garnishing with fresh parsley or even grated Parmesan on top.
Bread: Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the rich cream sauce.
Storage Tips:
Refrigerating: Store leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: If you have extra servings, this dish can be frozen. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2–3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then gently heat on the stove or in the microwave until warm.
Reheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of chicken broth or a bit more cream cheese to help restore the sauce’s creaminess. Heat on low to avoid overcooking the chicken.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! While this recipe calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs are a great alternative. They are a bit juicier and more flavorful, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs can take a little longer to cook through. Be sure to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast. Use a plant-based chicken broth as well to ensure the recipe stays fully dairy-free.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people! Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook the chicken in batches if necessary. When doubling the sauce, you may need to cook it a bit longer to achieve the right consistency. Be sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) even when doubled.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
While you can use low-fat cream cheese as a lighter option, keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the sauce. The low-fat version might not be as creamy or rich, but it will still work well in this recipe if you prefer a lighter dish.
Conclusion:
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a family-friendly dish that feels gourmet without requiring complex cooking skills. The creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and quick preparation make it a go-to recipe for busy households. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or feeding your family, this dish will impress every time.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and comforting dinner featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until it begins to melt.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth to create a smooth sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over it. Cover and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes, until fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
For extra flavor, add red pepper flakes or fresh garlic.
Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal per serving
