Picture this: It’s a hectic weeknight, your stomach is growling, and you’re staring into your fridge like it’s about to whisper dinner ideas to you. But all you see is a block of cream cheese and some chicken breasts. Guess what? That’s all you need to create an incredible Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is your dinner superhero—creamy, rich, and packed with flavor, all while using pantry staples. It’s one of those easy chicken dinner recipes that tastes like it took hours, but in reality, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
So if you’re looking for a meal that’s fancy enough for a date night but easy enough for when you’re running on fumes, stick around. This one is a keeper.
Why This Recipe Works
If you’re still on the fence about making this dish, here’s why it deserves a place in your weekly rotation:
- One-Pan Recipe – Fewer dishes mean less cleanup.
- Simple Ingredients – No hard-to-find items, just pantry staples.
- Rich and Creamy – The sauce is packed with flavor and has the perfect consistency.
- Family-Friendly – Even the pickiest eaters will love it.
- Customizable – Add spice, fresh herbs, or extra garlic to make it your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise to cook faster)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (adds depth to the chicken)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil (for the perfect golden sear)
For the Sauce
- 1 small onion, diced (adds natural sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better)
- ¾ cup chicken broth (the liquid base of the sauce)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (the star of the show)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (a blend of herbs for a well-rounded flavor)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a subtle warmth, not too spicy)
Want to elevate the dish? Add a splash of dry white wine or some sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels—this helps it get a nice sear. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about five minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, add diced onions and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until aromatic.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (this adds a ton of flavor). Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and velvety.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered pasta.
Pro Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Chicken
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the richest, smoothest sauce.
- Soften the cream cheese before adding it to prevent lumps.
- Adjust the sauce consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering longer if too thin.
- Customize the flavor with extra herbs, spices, or a splash of white wine.
What to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed Potatoes – The creamy sauce complements the fluffy potatoes perfectly.
- Rice – A simple option that absorbs the flavorful sauce.
- Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, green beans, or roasted carrots.
For more easy chicken dinner recipes, check out High Protein BBQ Chicken and Creamy White Chicken Chili.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream cheese sauce may separate when thawed.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Mushroom Addition – Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy depth.
- Herb Twist – Fresh basil, parsley, or thyme can enhance the flavor.
- White Wine Sauce – Replace half the chicken broth with a dry white wine for a richer taste.
For another creamy, delicious option, try Southern Smothered Chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Chicken thighs will be even juicier and more flavorful but may need a few extra minutes to cook.
What if my sauce is too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes. Sear the chicken using the sauté function, then add all ingredients and pressure cook on high for five minutes.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme works just as well.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Spinach, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.
For another comforting dish, check out Creamy Coconut Chicken.
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onions and cook until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating it in the sauce. Simmer for a few minutes until well combined.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve hot with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.
Notes
- For a thinner sauce, add extra chicken broth.
- Full-fat cream cheese creates a richer, smoother sauce.
- Customize with mushrooms, spinach, or a splash of white wine for extra flavor.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce may separate when thawed.
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or with roasted vegetables, it’s bound to become a household favorite.
Next time you’re staring at a block of cream cheese and some chicken, wondering what to make, remember that this dish is just 30 minutes away from being on your dinner table.
For another easy chicken dinner, try Easy Black Pepper Chicken.
