If you’re craving a rich and satisfying dinner that’s sure to win over the entire table, let me introduce you to Cream Cheese Chicken. This skillet chicken dish is the definition of comfort food: juicy, golden-seared chicken smothered in a luscious, garlicky cream cheese sauce with a hint of Parmesan and fragrant Italian herbs. It comes together in just about half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or even for impressing friends on a spontaneous dinner night. There’s something irresistible about that creamy sauce—it transforms humble chicken breasts into a dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Cream Cheese Chicken is that it uses a handful of straightforward ingredients—each one bringing its own special touch to the final dish. These simple items work together to create layers of flavor, creaminess, and a gorgeous finish that feels gourmet with barely any effort.
- Chicken Breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts so the sauce can perfectly coat every bite and keep things lean.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that lift the natural flavor of the chicken and lay the foundation for the whole dish.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken develop that gorgeous golden sear.
- Butter: Enhances the sauce’s silkiness and gives the chicken an unbeatable flavor boost.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes the sauce aromatic and deeply savory—don’t skip it!
- Chicken Broth: Deglazes the pan, picking up all those tasty caramelized bits while thinning the sauce just the right amount.
- Cream Cheese: The star ingredient, lending creaminess, tang, and an ultra-smooth texture to the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps the sauce cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Onion Powder: Brings mellow sweetness and subtle savor to round out the flavors.
- Dried Basil: Infuses the sauce with a fresh, herby note that perfectly complements the richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic Mediterranean herbs that gives the sauce that “chef’s touch.”
- Fresh Parsley (optional): For a burst of color and brightness—it makes the finished plate pop!
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry—think of this as giving them a blank canvas for all the flavors to come. Sprinkle both sides generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high until the butter’s melted and everything’s shimmering. Carefully lay in the chicken, letting each piece develop a beautifully caramelized crust. Allow about 5–6 minutes per side, resisting the urge to flip too soon. Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, transfer it to a plate and keep it cozy for just a bit.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In that same buttery skillet (don’t wash it out—the flavor’s all in there!), add minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds. It should smell incredible! Stir constantly to keep the garlic from burning, and let the aromatics bloom in the fat left behind.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits—those are flavor gold. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then dial the heat down low. Drop in the cream cheese, stirring as it melts into the broth and forms a dreamy, smooth sauce. This is where Cream Cheese Chicken gets its signature silkiness.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Herbs
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, add the Parmesan, onion powder, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Mix it all together until the sauce is creamy and fragrant. The Parmesan will thicken the mixture and deepen the flavors—just keep stirring until you have a sauce that hugs the spoon.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish
Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the sauce and spoon some of that velvety mixture over the top. Let everything simmer gently for another 2–3 minutes so the chicken soaks up all that goodness and the flavors meld together. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with chopped parsley right before serving for a fresh, green flourish.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken
Garnishes
A final cloak of chopped fresh parsley works miracles here, brightening the whole plate and contrasting beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you love a little extra pop, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even a few chili flakes adds lovely color and just the right amount of heat.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese Chicken absolutely begs to be paired with something that can soak up its rich, velvety sauce. Fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a big pile of pasta will all do the trick—each absorbs every bit of flavor. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach provide fantastic balance and bring some freshness to the table.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Cream Cheese Chicken up a notch by serving it sliced over a crisp salad, stuffing it inside a warm pita, or topping a baked potato with generous scoops of chicken and sauce. You can even toss leftover sauce with roasted vegetables or drizzle it over grilled bread for a quick appetizer!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it chills, but it stays delicious and reheats beautifully. Be sure to cool everything completely before sealing to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
For longer storage, Cream Cheese Chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. Place the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge for best results—this helps the sauce stay smooth when reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm Cream Cheese Chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce seems too thick. You can also microwave single portions in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until hot throughout. Stir well so everything gets creamy again!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe—they’re extra juicy and soak up the cream cheese sauce just as well. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. If you’re in a rush, microwave it (unwrapped) on low power for 10–15 seconds. Softened cream cheese melts smoothly into the sauce without clumps.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach and sliced mushrooms are delicious stirred into the sauce as it simmers. Just add them after the garlic and before the chicken broth, giving them a few minutes to soften before continuing.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Cream Cheese Chicken as written is naturally gluten-free—just check that your chicken broth and seasonings don’t contain any added gluten or wheat-based stabilizers.
What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
If you don’t have Parmesan, finely grated Pecorino Romano works nicely for a tangier kick, or you could use shredded mozzarella for a milder, gooier sauce. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
Final Thoughts
Give Cream Cheese Chicken a spot on your family’s dinner rotation—you won’t regret it! It’s incredibly creamy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to pull off, even on a weeknight. I hope you love every saucy, comforting bite and have fun making it your own!
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish that is quick and easy to make. Tender chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then smothered in a rich cream cheese sauce with Parmesan and herbs.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add Parmesan, onion powder, basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is well combined and creamy.
- Combine and simmer: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Serve this over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- You can also add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 440mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
