Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This creamy, indulgent chicken dish transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy meal in just 35 minutes. The velvety cream cheese sauce coats each piece of chicken perfectly, creating a comforting dinner that even picky eaters will devour.

I first made this cream cheese chicken when I needed a quick dinner solution after a long work day. The simplicity shocked me but the flavor was so impressive that it's now in our regular dinner rotation even for guests.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that stays juicy in the creamy sauce
• Olive oil or butter: For searing the chicken and creating flavor foundation
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These provide instant flavor without the work of chopping fresh
• Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the chicken
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
• Cream cheese: The star ingredient that creates the luxuriously creamy sauce base
• Chicken broth: Thins the sauce while adding savory depth (look for low-sodium varieties)
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce (freshly grated melts better)
• Italian seasoning: An herb blend that provides complexity without needing multiple spice jars
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds bright color and fresh flavor as a finishing touch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season and Sear Chicken:

Season chicken breasts generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Place chicken in the hot skillet without crowding and cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook another 4 to 5 minutes. The chicken shouldn't be fully cooked yet; we will finish it in the sauce.

Create the Cream Cheese Base:

Remove chicken to a plate and reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese to the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken; these add tremendous flavor. The cream cheese will start to melt and look curdled at first; this is normal. Keep stirring gently with a whisk until it begins to smooth out.

Develop the Sauce:

Gradually pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly to incorporate it with the cream cheese. This slow addition prevents lumps and creates a silky texture. Once combined, stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce gently simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Finish Cooking the Chicken:

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices back to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over each piece, ensuring they're well coated. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce heat to low. Allow chicken to finish cooking gently in the sauce for 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is tender enough to cut with a fork.

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My absolute favorite part of this dish is how the cream cheese transforms into such a luxurious sauce with minimal effort. My teenagers who normally avoid saucy dishes always ask for extra to spoon over their sides that is how I know this recipe is truly special.

Storage and Reheating

This cream cheese chicken stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken considerably when chilled but will loosen back up when reheated. For best results, reheat individual portions in a microwave at 70% power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to revive the sauce.

Perfect Pairings

The rich creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with starchy sides that can soak up all that goodness. Try serving over fettuccine pasta, egg noodles, fluffy mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans provide delicious contrast to the creamy sauce. A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing counterpoint to the richness.

Easy Variations

This versatile chicken recipe welcomes many delicious adaptations. For a sun-dried tomato version, add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes when making the sauce. Mushroom lovers can sauté 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after removing the chicken and before adding the cream cheese. For a spinach cream cheese chicken, add 2 cups fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking just until wilted. You can also swap the Italian seasoning for taco seasoning and add a can of diced green chiles for a Mexican-inspired variation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use bone-in chicken for this dish?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked through.

→ What dish pairs well with this chicken?

This creamy chicken is delicious served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

→ How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, let it simmer for a few additional minutes, or stir in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with cold water.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese?

Yes, mascarpone cheese or a heavy cream and butter mixture can work in place of cream cheese for a similar texture and flavor.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.