Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with softened cream cheese, garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. Quick and simple, it’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner served with your favorite sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set it aside until needed to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Slice and Season Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season them evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are softened and lightly browned, which builds a savory base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes to ensure even melting.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Warm everything thoroughly. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish if desired and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Microwaving the cream cheese beforehand ensures it incorporates smoothly without lumps.
- Slicing chicken breasts thinly helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures food safety.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for mild taste.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to complement the creamy sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg