Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly, softened)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed to make it easier to melt into the sauce.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaching 165°F). Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate to rest.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the onions soften and develop a light brown color, which enriches the dish’s flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- 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 sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes to fully combine.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken pieces to the skillet and warm them through in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety.
- Softening the cream cheese in the microwave helps it melt smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
- For a milder sauce, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- 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