Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This easy cream cheese chicken is a delightful 30-minute meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a creamy garlic herb sauce that elevates chicken to new heights. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly flavorful, making it ideal for family dinners or entertaining friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Creamy Deliciousness: The cream cheese transforms into a rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully, enhancing its flavor.
• Versatile: Serve this dish with rice, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal that fits any occasion.
• Pantry Staples: Most ingredients are common household items, so you can whip this up without a special trip to the store.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and savory taste of this dish.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make your experience seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Microwave
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: A non-stick skillet is ideal for cooking the chicken evenly while preventing it from sticking.
• Microwave: Softening the cream cheese in the microwave saves time and helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
• Cutting Board & Knife: These tools are essential for prepping your ingredients quickly and safely.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create this delicious easy cream cheese chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken

• 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) (softened)
• 2 large chicken breasts
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For the Sauce

• 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)

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese

Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season them with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through (165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate.

Step 4: Sauté Onions

Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until softened and lightly browned.

Step 5: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.

Step 6: Create the Sauce

Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until smooth; this may take a few minutes.

Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Warm through. If needed, thin out the sauce with a splash more of chicken broth. Season with extra salt and pepper if desired. Sprinkle with parsley before serving immediately.

Enjoy your delicious easy cream cheese chicken!

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This easy cream cheese chicken is versatile and delicious, making it perfect for various serving options. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these ideas will elevate your dish.

With Pasta

• A light pasta like angel hair or fettuccine pairs beautifully. Toss the pasta in the creamy sauce before serving for added flavor.

Over Rice

• Serve the chicken and sauce over fluffy white rice or brown rice. The grains soak up the creamy goodness, enhancing every bite.

With Vegetables

• Sautéed green beans or steamed broccoli make excellent accompaniments. Their crunch balances the creaminess of the dish.

Wrapped in Lettuce

• For a low-carb option, serve the chicken in lettuce wraps. This adds freshness and a delightful crunch that contrasts nicely with the cream sauce.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve on a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the chicken.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair with crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy sauce and provides a satisfying texture contrast.

How to Perfect Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

To ensure your easy cream cheese chicken turns out perfectly every time, consider these tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Use softened cream cheese – Softened cream cheese blends more smoothly into your sauce, creating a velvety texture.
• Season your chicken – Don’t skip seasoning! A good amount of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the overall flavor.
• Monitor cooking time – Cook chicken until it reaches 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat while remaining juicy.
• Adjust sauce thickness – If your sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth gradually until you achieve your desired consistency.
• Incorporate fresh herbs – Adding fresh parsley or basil just before serving brightens flavors and adds color to your dish.
• Experiment with spices – Feel free to tweak seasonings according to your taste preferences; try adding paprika or oregano for extra depth!

Best Side Dishes for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Pairing side dishes with easy cream cheese chicken can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement this creamy dish wonderfully.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs well with savory chicken.
2. Roasted Asparagus – Lightly seasoned roasted asparagus offers a crisp contrast to the rich sauce of the chicken.
3. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with vegetables provides a healthy and hearty accompaniment.
4. Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and balance to your plate without overpowering flavors.
5. Cauliflower Rice – Low-carb cauliflower rice is an excellent substitute for traditional rice and absorbs sauces beautifully.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes’ natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the dish while adding nutrition.
7. Crispy Brussels Sprouts – Roasted until crispy, Brussels sprouts deliver both texture and flavor that pairs nicely with creamy sauces.
8. Herbed Couscous – Fluffy couscous tossed with herbs is quick to prepare and offers a delightful base for savoring creamy sauces.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many people overlook simple steps when making Easy Cream Cheese Chicken. Avoiding common mistakes will help you achieve a delicious dish every time.

• Skipping the cream cheese softening: Not softening the cream cheese before use can lead to a lumpy sauce. Microwave it for a few seconds to make it creamy.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken for too long can dry it out. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season the chicken can make the dish bland. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder generously for flavor.
• Rushing the sauce preparation: Stirring in ingredients too quickly can cause lumps. Take your time to combine them well until smooth.
• Using low-quality broth: A weak broth will affect the overall flavor. Choose a rich, flavorful chicken broth for the best results.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• Best consumed within 2-3 months for quality.

Reheating Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake covered for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.

What can I serve with Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

You can pair this dish with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or even beef if you prefer.

How do I customize my Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?

Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

Is Easy Cream Cheese Chicken kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy sauce makes it appealing to kids while remaining nutritious.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give it a try and enjoy this delightful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights!