Easy Cream Cheese Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes offer the perfect balance of ease, indulgence, and crowd-pleasing flavors like Easy Cream Cheese Chicken. This creamy, savory, and slightly tangy dish is a lifesaver when you’re short on time but still crave something comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, this recipe is foolproof and will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds.

The magic of this dish lies in the combination of tender, juicy chicken and a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce infused with herbs, garlic, and spices. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also incredibly versatile, pairing well with pasta, rice, or even low-carb alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, including step-by-step instructions, tips for achieving the creamiest sauce, variations, serving suggestions, and FAQs. Get ready to master a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Cream Cheese Sauce:

• 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream or whole milk
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley or chives (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown nicely when cooked.
2. Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
5. Transfer the seared chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the minced garlic.
2. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
4. Add the cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth consistency.
5. Slowly pour in the heavy cream or milk, whisking to combine.
6. Stir in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
8. Add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

1. Return the seared chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the creamy sauce.
2. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
3. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh finish.
2. Serve hot with your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables.

this PIN FOR LATER

Variations of Cream Cheese Chicken

1. Low-Carb/Keto Version

• Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or roasted vegetables instead of pasta or rice.

2. Spicy Version

• Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the chicken.
• Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Stir in ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.

3. Mushroom & Spinach Cream Cheese Chicken

• Sauté ½ cup sliced mushrooms in the pan before making the sauce.
• Add 1 cup fresh spinach to the sauce just before adding the chicken back in.

4. Creamy Tomato Cream Cheese Chicken

• Stir in ¼ cup tomato paste into the sauce for a tangy, rich flavor.
• Add diced sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Sides for Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice
• Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, sautéed asparagus, or garlic green beans
• Bread: Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerating Leftovers

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Freezing Instructions

• Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

• Warm over low heat on the stovetop, adding a bit of broth or milk.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round.

FAQs About Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

1. Can I use cream cheese spread instead of a block of cream cheese?

Yes, but a block of cream cheese melts better into the sauce and gives a richer texture.

2. How do I prevent my sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, simply stir in additional chicken broth or milk until you reach the desired consistency.

3. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use whole milk, half-and-half, or even evaporated milk.

4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients (such as broth and seasonings) are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that delivers rich, creamy flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy every craving. With endless variations and serving possibilities, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try today, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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