If you’ve been searching for a comforting, creamy, and utterly delicious dish to elevate your weeknight dinners, this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken breasts enveloped in a luscious, velvety cream cheese sauce that brings warmth and richness to every bite. The balance of simple seasonings, garlic, and fresh herbs makes this recipe incredibly satisfying without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for cozy nights in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe plays a crucial role, from building flavor to ensuring the perfect texture and color. Let’s take a look at the essentials you’ll need before starting this delightful dish.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender protein that soaks up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter: Used to perfectly sear the chicken and develop a rich, golden crust for great texture.
- Salt, pepper, and paprika (to taste): Simple seasonings that lift the flavor, with paprika adding a subtle smoky warmth and vibrant color.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant depth that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
- ½ cup chicken broth: This adds savory moisture and helps create a silky sauce base to marry the flavors.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened: The key ingredient that transforms this dish with its creamy, tangy texture and indulgent taste.
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish): Fresh herbs provide a pop of color and a light, herbaceous finish.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps achieve a beautiful sear. Then, generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika not only adds flavor but also gives the chicken a lovely warm hue once cooked.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts carefully in and sear each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. You’ll want to get a nice golden-brown crust to lock in the juices. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside—it’s going to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Lower the heat to medium, and add a bit more oil or butter if your pan looks dry. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about 30 seconds until fragrant. Garlic is such a quick-cooking hero that adds an irresistible aroma to this dish.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the pan—they’re full of flavor and will enrich your sauce. Then add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it completely melts and blends with the broth, giving you a silky, smooth sauce that’s pure comfort in a skillet.
Step 5: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce
Return the chicken breasts to the pan, spoon some of the sauce over the top, then cover and let everything simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This step lets the chicken absorb the creamy goodness, resulting in an incredibly juicy and flavorful meal.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your chicken is simmered and perfectly coated with the cream cheese sauce, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the dish if you like. These fresh herbs add a vibrant contrast and an inviting pop of color. Now, it’s time to enjoy your creamy, dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped chives or parsley as a garnish not only brightens the look of your dish but also introduces a subtle herbal note that balances the richness. Feel free to add a lemon wedge on the side for a zestier twist when serving.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the extra sauce perfectly. For a lighter touch, steamed green beans or a crisp side salad bring freshness and crunch to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a delightful dinner presentation, slice the chicken breasts and fan them out on a platter with sauce drizzled over the top. You can also serve the chicken atop a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables, transforming the meal into an elegant, restaurant-style dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days to keep the chicken tender and the sauce fresh and creamy.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked chicken dishes, the cream cheese sauce may slightly change in texture after thawing. If freezing, store the chicken and sauce separately, and thaw them gradually in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. Stir frequently and add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese is essential for the signature creamy texture, you can experiment by adding a small amount of shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra flavor, but keep the cream cheese as the base.
Is this recipe suitable for quick weeknight dinners?
Absolutely! With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a quick 20-minute cook time, the Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you want something comforting but fast.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and to achieve that golden crust in the skillet.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water mixed with a bit of bouillon cube can work in a pinch to build the sauce base.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes after adding the cream cheese, keeping a close eye and stirring to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a total winner for anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its creamy, garlicky sauce paired with tender chicken makes every forkful a delight. Give it a try for dinner and watch it become one of your favorite recipes to make over and over again!
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious cream cheese and garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner and is garnished with fresh chives or parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
Sauce & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika to add flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a little more oil or butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt.
- Prepare the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, using a spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the skillet. Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and combines with the broth, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken, cover the skillet, and let it simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes. This step allows the chicken to soak up the flavors and become tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly, garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve the creamy chicken warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preference, and add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
