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Cream Cheese Chicken, a creamy and delicious weeknight dinner, is shown in this featured image.

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 6-8 ounces each
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish optional

Equipment

  • Large Skillet (oven-safe preferred)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Meat thermometer
  • Spatula or spoon
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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!
  8. 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.
  9. Remove the skillet from the heat (or oven). Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
  10. 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.