Description
A quick and creamy chicken skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips sautéed with mushrooms, onions, and garlic, tossed in a rich cream cheese sauce, and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfectly served over steamed brown or white rice for a comforting and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Toppings
- 4 oz regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Serving
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil, allowing it to warm up.
- Sauté onions and mushrooms: Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they begin to soften, then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Prepare the chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, slice the chicken breast into strips and season them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet and sear them for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken strips are golden brown on all sides.
- Add cream cheese and broth: Lower the heat to medium and add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the pan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and integrates into a creamy sauce.
- Add mozzarella and cook through: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet. Cover the pan, reduce the heat, and let the chicken cook for another 2 to 3 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the creamy chicken and mushrooms over steamed brown or white rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Using reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella can lighten up the dish without sacrificing flavor.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level in the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American