Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a creamy, savory skillet dish perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are pan-seared and smothered in a rich cream cheese and chicken broth sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a touch of spice from red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an effortless recipe that combines simple ingredients for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to use later in the sauce.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and lightly browned.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth, about a few minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the pieces. Warm the chicken through and if the sauce is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the chicken if desired and serve immediately for a rich, creamy meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Softening the cream cheese before adding it to the sauce helps it incorporate smoothly without lumps.
- For a milder dish, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
