Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful skillet dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich cream cheese and chicken broth sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Perfect for a quick, comforting dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise (4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 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, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to use later in the sauce.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season each piece with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. Add the chicken pieces once the pan is hot and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and lightly browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce, and heat through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve the creamy chicken immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce.
- Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F for safe consumption.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
