This easy cream cheese chicken is a weeknight dinner dream. The chicken is tender, golden, and paired with a luscious garlic herb sauce that’s rich yet light. The tangy cream cheese melds perfectly with the savory broth, creating a smooth, flavorful coating that’s sure to satisfy. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings when you still want something special. The creamy sauce can be adjusted to your liking—add more chicken broth for a thinner sauce or keep it rich and thick. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a side of fresh vegetables.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) softened
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2 large chicken breasts
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 tablespoon butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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3/4 cup chicken broth
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1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
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Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Directions:
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Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
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Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
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Reduce the heat to medium, and sauté the onions for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.
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Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
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Stir in the chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth.
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Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. Season with extra salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: Approx. 380 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
When you’re in the mood for a quick and comforting dinner, it’s hard to beat the allure of a creamy chicken dish. And this easy cream cheese chicken recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and satisfying but don’t have much time to spare. In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious meal on the table with minimal effort, thanks to simple pantry staples like cream cheese, chicken, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
This creamy garlic herb chicken recipe is a fantastic balance of savory, creamy goodness. The cream cheese adds a mild tanginess to the sauce, while the garlic and Italian herbs provide depth and aroma. The chicken, pan-fried to golden perfection, becomes tender and juicy as it soaks up the flavors of the sauce, creating a satisfying and hearty dish that will have everyone at the dinner table asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Is the Best:
The beauty of this easy cream cheese chicken lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are accessible and affordable, making it ideal for home cooks who want to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.
A Simple Yet Flavorful Sauce
The star of this dish is undoubtedly the sauce. The combination of cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic, and Italian seasoning creates a silky smooth sauce that envelops the chicken in rich, savory flavors. The cream cheese adds a luxurious texture, while the garlic and Italian herbs bring an irresistible fragrance to the dish. Red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, making this sauce both comforting and exciting.
The sauce is thick, but it can be easily adjusted by adding more chicken broth or water to suit your preference. Whether you like a more robust, creamy sauce or a lighter, more broth-based version, this recipe gives you the flexibility to make it just the way you like it.
The Health Benefits of Cream Cheese Chicken
While this dish is undoubtedly indulgent, it’s also a relatively balanced meal when served with a side of vegetables or whole grains. Chicken is a lean source of protein that helps build and repair muscle, and it provides essential vitamins and minerals like niacin, selenium, and vitamin B6. The addition of fresh herbs and garlic not only boosts the flavor but also offers some health benefits, including antioxidant properties and improved digestion.
Cream cheese, while rich and creamy, doesn’t have to be avoided entirely when used in moderation. It’s a source of calcium and vitamin A, and when paired with lean chicken, it creates a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing. You can even use a reduced-fat version of cream cheese if you want to make the dish a bit lighter without sacrificing flavor.
Customizable for Any Taste
Another reason this recipe is so versatile is that it can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences. If you prefer a different protein, chicken thighs or even turkey breasts can be substituted in place of the chicken breasts. You could also try making it with a plant-based alternative for the cream cheese, such as a vegan cream cheese or cashew cream, for a dairy-free version.
To further personalize the recipe, feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Add a touch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor, or use fresh thyme or rosemary instead of Italian seasoning for a more fragrant twist. The flexibility of this dish makes it a great base for trying new flavors and ingredients.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights
This easy cream cheese chicken is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and delicious. The dish comes together in just 30 minutes, meaning it can fit perfectly into a busy evening. Since the recipe doesn’t require any complicated steps or exotic ingredients, you can make it without stress, even if you’ve never cooked before.
Additionally, this recipe uses a minimal number of pots and pans, so cleanup is a breeze. Simply cook the chicken, sauté the onions and garlic, add the cream cheese and broth, and stir everything together to create a creamy, flavorful sauce. The one-pan approach makes it an excellent choice for busy families or anyone who wants to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.
Pairing Ideas for the Ultimate Meal
While this easy cream cheese chicken can stand on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. For a classic comfort food combo, serve it with mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, you could serve it with roasted vegetables such as green beans, carrots, or broccoli for a well-rounded meal. A side of garlic bread also makes a great addition, adding a crunchy, savory contrast to the creamy chicken.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider pairing the chicken with quinoa, a whole grain that provides additional protein and fiber, or a fresh salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish.
Leftovers and Storage
One of the best things about this cream cheese chicken is that it stores beautifully for leftovers. After enjoying it for dinner, you can keep any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Simply reheat the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit more chicken broth if needed to thin the sauce. It’s perfect for meal prep or enjoying a comforting lunch the next day.
However, it’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change when frozen and thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh or stored in the fridge for later use.
Conclusion
This easy cream cheese chicken recipe is the epitome of comfort food made simple. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a flavorful, creamy chicken dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for the whole family, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. The flexibility to adjust the sauce to your liking, the ease of preparation, and the richness of flavor make this recipe a winner in any kitchen. Enjoy the creamy goodness and comfort of this dish, and feel free to make it your own with any personal touches or variations you like.