This Cream Cheese Chicken is quick and super creamy! Just cook the chicken with some delicious spices and stir in cream cheese for a rich, tasty sauce that you’ll love.
You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up this dish after a busy day. Serve it with rice or pasta, and you’re ready for a cozy meal that feels special. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep it lean and easy to cook. If you prefer, you could use chicken thighs, which are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the dish for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese. It’ll still give you a nice creaminess with fewer calories.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to keep the salt level manageable. Vegetable broth can work too if you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to change the flavor a bit.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes the sauce ultra-rich, you can substitute it with milk or a non-dairy alternative if you want a lighter version. Just be mindful that the sauce might be lighter in texture.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking chicken just right can be tricky, but here’s how to do it! Start with a medium-high heat to get that great golden-brown crust. Make sure you don’t rush cooking the chicken.
- Season both sides well to enhance the flavor.
- Check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is a smart tool!
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy.
Follow these steps, and your chicken will be delicious and tender every time! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe Easy and Creamy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz (half a block) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts! Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder all over each breast. This will give the chicken some lovely flavor.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check—they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, making sure it doesn’t burn. Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir, scraping up any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Creamy Time:
Now, lower the heat to medium and add the cream cheese cubes into the skillet. Stir them until they’re melted and the sauce is nice and smooth. You can add the grated Parmesan cheese now if you like a cheesier sauce for extra flavor!
5. Finishing Touches:
Then, pour the heavy cream (or milk) into the sauce and mix until fully combined. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the creamy sauce over each piece. Let them simmer for another 3-5 minutes so everything gets nice and warm.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your dish with some chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color. Serve hot with your favorite sides such as rice, pasta, or steamed veggies. Enjoy your creamy and easy Cream Cheese Chicken!
FAQs for Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Ensure they reach the safe cooking temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
If you want to make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream. This will give you a creamy texture without the dairy!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce seems too thick after refrigerating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms when making the sauce. Sauté them briefly before adding the garlic or stir them in with the cream cheese for a delicious addition!
