Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from softened cream cheese, garlic, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Prepared in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts (sliced in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, 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, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside for easier mixing.
- Slice and season the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove the chicken and place on a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes 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 chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and warm through in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
- Finish and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Ensure chicken breasts are pounded or sliced evenly to cook uniformly.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or over rice or pasta for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
