Name: Cream Cheese Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: PT-485318H51M56S
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water); 1 tablespoon butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning); 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few ingredients, and it’s full of creamy, savory goodness. The cream cheese sauce is rich and velvety, making the chicken juicy and tender. It’s a versatile dish that you can serve over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish is perfect for busy nights but is still indulgent enough to feel special. It’s a comforting meal everyone will love!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder

For the cream cheese sauce:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra flavor)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the chicken:

Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

Make the cream cheese sauce:

Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
Add the cream cheese and broth: Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese melts and combines with the broth to create a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Season the sauce: Stir in the dried thyme, paprika, and Parmesan cheese (if using). Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Combine and serve:

Return the chicken to the skillet: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the chicken is coated and heated through.
Serve: Once the chicken is ready, transfer it to serving plates and spoon more sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Optional sides:

Serve the Cream Cheese Chicken over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 5 minutes, with a cooking time of 20-25 minutes, making this dish perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.

Variations

Add vegetables: You can sauté mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers in the skillet along with the garlic to add more flavor and nutrition to the dish.
Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Use chicken thighs: Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a juicier, more flavorful option.
Herb variations: Experiment with different herbs like rosemary, basil, or parsley for added flavor.

Storage/reheating

Store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or water to keep the sauce creamy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this dish. Just cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Thighs will be more tender and juicy.

2. Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, but the sauce might not be as creamy or rich. Full-fat cream cheese gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture.

3. Can I make this dish in advance?

You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine them before serving. The sauce may thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a bit of broth or water to thin it when reheating.

4. Can I freeze Cream Cheese Chicken?

While you can freeze the chicken and sauce together, the cream cheese sauce may change in texture once frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, store the sauce and chicken separately, and reheat gently to maintain the best texture.

5. How do I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also add a little more cream cheese or Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.

6. Can I make this dish without garlic?

If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can omit it or substitute it with onion powder or shallots for a different flavor profile. The sauce will still be delicious without garlic.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese in the sauce?

Yes, you can use other types of cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to give the sauce a different flavor. Parmesan adds a nice, nutty touch, but any cheese that melts well will work.

8. How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra flavor. Just cook them in the skillet with the garlic before adding the cream cheese and broth.

9. How do I make the sauce dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream. Make sure to use dairy-free butter as well.

10. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken to ensure there’s no pink inside.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Chicken is a deliciously simple dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. The creamy, savory sauce makes the chicken incredibly tender, and the flavors are rich and comforting. Whether you’re serving it with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something creamy and indulgent!