Weeknight dinners demand quick, delicious solutions that satisfy hungry appetites.
This mouthwatering easy cream cheese chicken recipe delivers comfort and flavor in one skillet.
Tender chicken breasts swim in a rich, creamy sauce that’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Home cooks adore how effortlessly this dish comes together with just a handful of ingredients.
The velvety sauce coats each chicken piece, creating a meal that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant kitchen.
Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a weeknight champion.
Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing chicken dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tools to Cook Cream Cheese Chicken Without Fuss
Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for cooking chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
Microwave: Quick tool for softening cream cheese to the right consistency.
Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for slicing chicken breasts and chopping parsley.
Sharp Knife: Essential for cutting chicken and herbs with precision.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring sauce and scraping skillet bottom.
Measuring Spoons: Helpful for adding exact amounts of seasonings.
Plate: Needed for transferring cooked chicken and resting meat.
Directions for Making Cream Cheese Chicken
Chicken Preparation Slice chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner portions and season with classic spices for a flavor boost.
Skillet Magic Heat butter and olive oil in a pan, then cook chicken until perfectly golden and tender, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Aromatic Foundation Sauté sweet onions until they transform into a soft, caramelized base that adds depth to the entire dish.
Garlic Whispers Quickly introduce minced garlic to the skillet, releasing its fragrant essence and creating a mouthwatering aroma.
Creamy Transformation Blend chicken broth with softened cream cheese, introducing Italian herbs and a gentle heat from red pepper flakes to create a silky smooth sauce.
Final Fusion Return chicken to the skillet, allowing it to bathe in the luxurious sauce and absorb all the incredible flavors.
Finishing Touch Adjust seasoning to your taste and sprinkle fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving this comforting meal.
Tips to Max Out Flavor in Cream Cheese Chicken
Slice chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges. Thinner pieces cook faster and stay more tender.
Swap cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant diners. These substitutes provide similar creamy texture without compromising flavor.
Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference. Start with a pinch for mild warmth, increase gradually for bolder kick. Fresh jalapeños work great as replacement.
Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of parsley. Each herb introduces unique flavor profile and elevates dish complexity.
Use cast-iron skillet for deeper flavor development. Cast-iron retains heat better and creates beautiful caramelization on chicken and onions.
Cream Cheese Chicken Serving Suggestions
Family Feast Night Companion: Pair this creamy chicken with fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. The hearty combination creates a complete meal that satisfies every hungry family member.
Veggie Side Harmony: Roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad complement the rich flavors perfectly. These fresh vegetable sides add nutritional balance and vibrant color to your dinner plate.
Wine and Dine Pairing: A crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio works wonderfully with this creamy chicken dish. The wine's subtle acidity cuts through the richness and elevates the entire dining experience with elegant simplicity.
Leftover Magic Transformation: Shred remaining chicken and mix with the sauce to create a delectable sandwich filling or wrap ingredient. This smart repurposing ensures zero food waste and provides a delicious next-day lunch option.
Store and Reheat Cream Cheese Chicken Smoothly
Refrigerator Ready Portions: Slice chicken into meal-sized portions before storing, making reheating and serving super convenient for busy weeknights.
Quick Freeze Strategy: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place inside sealed containers to maintain maximum freshness for up to 3 months.
Sauce Separation Solution: Store sauce and chicken separately to prevent soggy textures, keeping components crisp and delicious when reheating later.
Smart Reheating Technique: Warm leftovers slowly in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth, ensuring tender meat and preventing dryness during the second serving.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 350 kcal
Servings: 5
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Ingredient List
For Protein Base:
Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish, choose fresh, high-quality chicken with minimal visible fat for best results.
Cream Cheese: Creamy and rich ingredient that adds luxurious texture and tangy flavor, select full-fat version for maximum smoothness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
Chicken Broth: Provides depth and moisture to the sauce, use low-sodium version to control overall saltiness.
Olive Oil, Butter: Essential for creating golden sear and rich undertones, use unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.
Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds complex flavor profile, choose fresh produce with firm texture and vibrant color.
For Seasoning Blend:
Garlic Powder, Italian Seasoning: Dried herbs and spices that add instant depth and traditional Mediterranean notes.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat and warmth, adjust quantity based on personal spice tolerance.
Salt and Pepper: Classic seasoning that balances and elevates all other ingredients, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish that adds fresh color and light herbaceous finish to the dish.
Home cooks adore this simple cream cheese chicken recipe that combines juicy poultry with rich, creamy sauce. Cheese lovers will find comfort in this quick weeknight meal perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
2 large chicken breasts
8 oz (226 g) cream cheese, softened
¾ cup (180 ml) chicken broth
1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
½ medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
Prep Chicken: Butterfly chicken breasts horizontally, creating thin cutlets. Season thoroughly with garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper on both sides.
Sear Protein: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets until golden-brown, approximately 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Develop Base: Lower skillet temperature and sauté diced onions until translucent and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic, stirring briefly to release aromatic qualities without scorching.
Create Sauce: Deglaze pan with chicken broth, then incorporate softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until achieving a velvety, smooth consistency.
Combine and Finish: Return chicken to skillet, allowing it to warm in sauce. Adjust liquid volume if needed. Perform final seasoning check, adding salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Prep Cream Cheese Right: Microwave until super soft and cube for smooth, quick melting into sauce.
Butterfly Chicken Technique: Create even cutlets for uniform cooking and faster heat penetration.
Temperature Matters: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
Sauce Consistency Control: Adjust chicken broth amount to achieve desired sauce thickness, preventing overly runny or dense texture.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.