The Magic Starts Here: Ingredients
What You’ll Need
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Gear Up: What You’ll Need
Essential Equipment
- Large Skillet (oven-safe preferred, but not required)
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Meat Thermometer
Prep Like a Pro: Prepping Your Ingredients
Get Organized
Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything prepped and ready to go. Trust me, a little preparation goes a long way in making this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe a breeze.
- Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully. Season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
- Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge, you can microwave it for 15-20 seconds (but watch it carefully!).
- Garlic: Mince the garlic. Fresh garlic adds so much flavor, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch (about 1/2 teaspoon).
- Broth: Have your chicken broth measured and ready to pour.
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
From Skillet to Table
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point, just nicely browned.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it!). Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer and Finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the cream cheese sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- Optional Browning (Oven Method): If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for the last 5-10 minutes to brown the top of the chicken and sauce. If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, you can skip this step or broil it carefully for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the Cream Cheese Chicken immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Flavor Boosters: Tips and Tricks
Elevate Your Cream Cheese Chicken
Want to take your Cream Cheese Chicken to the next level? Here are a few ideas:
- Cheese, Please! Add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers in the skillet before adding the garlic.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil, oregano, or thyme.
Serving Suggestions: Perfect Pairings
What to Serve with Your Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are all great options.
- Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta shape, like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Consider a quick Marry Me Chicken Pasta variation by incorporating sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan to the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
- Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious.
- Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
Troubleshooting Time: Common Issues & Solutions
Don’t Panic!
- Sauce Too Thick? Add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Sauce Too Thin? Simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken it quickly.
- Chicken Not Cooked Through? Cover the skillet and continue cooking until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the sauce is browning too quickly, reduce the heat to low.
Storage Savvy: Leftovers and Reheating
Making the Most of Your Meal
Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Explore the Chicken Universe: Related Recipes
More Chicken Delights!
If you love this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe, you might also enjoy these other delicious chicken dishes:
- White Chicken Chili: A comforting and flavorful soup perfect for chilly evenings.
- Chicken Casserole: A classic and easy casserole that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
- Chicken Spaghetti Casserole: A creamy and cheesy casserole that’s perfect for a potluck.
- Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken: A flavorful and savory chicken dish that’s ready in minutes.
- Butter Chicken: An amazing and aromatic dish.
So there you have it! Cream Cheese Chicken, a dish so easy and satisfying, it’s destined to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and customize it to your liking. Happy cooking, my friend!
What internal temperature should the chicken reach to be considered fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check.
What can I do if the cream cheese sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
What are some variations I can make to the Cream Cheese Chicken dish?
You can add shredded cheese like mozzarella or Parmesan, spice it up with red pepper flakes, sauté vegetables like mushrooms or onions before adding the garlic, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, or experiment with fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.
How long can I store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken in the refrigerator?
Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and delicious weeknight dinner option that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the cream cheese sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
- If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for the last 5-10 minutes to brown the top of the chicken and sauce. Alternatively broil briefly, watching carefully.
- Remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve the Cream Cheese Chicken immediately over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. You can add shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or cheddar cheese to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick. Sauté sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers in the skillet before adding the garlic for more flavor. Chopped sun-dried tomatoes or fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme can also be added. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if needed.
