There’s something truly magical about creamy, cheesy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken. This easy cream cheese chicken is one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together with minimal effort. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavor—the kind of meal that makes you close your eyes with that first delicious bite.
Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, impressing dinner guests, or just treating yourself to a cozy meal, this recipe has got you covered. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Versatile – Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a dish that shines at a dinner party. You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
Budget-Friendly – Made with simple, everyday ingredients that won’t break the bank. No fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here!
Quick and Easy – No complicated steps or techniques. Even beginner cooks can master this recipe with ease.
Customizable – You can easily tweak this dish by adding your favorite herbs, spices, or even veggies to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing – Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, this dish is always a hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breasts – The base of the dish. They turn incredibly juicy and tender when cooked in the creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese – The star ingredient that gives this dish its rich, velvety texture. Use full-fat for maximum flavor!
Garlic – Adds a punch of savory goodness to balance the creaminess.
Chicken Broth – Helps create the perfect sauce consistency while enhancing the overall flavor.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce extra smooth and indulgent.
Parmesan Cheese – A little bit of sharp, nutty flavor takes this dish to the next level.
Italian Seasoning – A perfect blend of herbs to add depth and aroma.
Butter – For a touch of richness and to help brown the chicken beautifully.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that make all the other flavors shine.
Instructions
Preheat Your Equipment – Start by preheating your skillet over medium heat. A well-heated pan ensures even cooking and a nice golden sear on the chicken.
Season and Cook the Chicken – Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, melt the butter, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce – In the same skillet, sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken.
Add the Cheese – Stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until fully melted and smooth. This creates a dreamy, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
Combine and Simmer – Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Serve and Enjoy – Garnish with fresh parsley, serve hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Over Pasta – Spoon the creamy chicken over fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne for a restaurant-style dish.
With Rice – A scoop of fluffy white or brown rice soaks up all that delicious sauce.
With Mashed Potatoes – Creamy on creamy? Yes, please! Mashed potatoes make the perfect base.
Alongside Roasted Veggies – Balance the richness with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers.
As a Low-Carb Option – Serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Additional Tips
Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
Use Different Cheese – Swap Parmesan for shredded mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different cheesy twist.
Thicken the Sauce – If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little water before adding the cheese.
Make it Ahead – This dish reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Double the Batch – This meal freezes well! Make extra and freeze portions for busy nights when you need something quick and delicious.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Prepare the dish as instructed, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes! Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q5: How do I reheat this dish?
A5: Warm it up on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Q6: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A6: Of course! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be fantastic additions.
Q7: What’s the best way to get a thicker sauce?
A7: Let it simmer a bit longer, or stir in a little cornstarch mixed with water.
Q8: Can I make this dairy-free?
A8: You can try dairy-free cream cheese and coconut cream as substitutes, though the flavor will change slightly.
Q9: What side dishes go best with this?
A9: Garlic bread, roasted veggies, and a simple green salad are all great pairings.
Q10: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A10: Yes! Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then stir in the cheese at the end for the best consistency.
Final Thoughts
This easy cream cheese chicken is a total game-changer. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet so simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a cozy meal at home, this recipe will never disappoint.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy cream cheese chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and quick dinner made with pantry staples. The rich garlic herb sauce, made with smooth cream cheese, perfectly coats tender chicken breasts, making every bite irresistible. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is a go-to for busy weeknights and pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Try this homemade recipe for a comforting, high-protein dinner!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Transfer to a plate.
- Reduce heat to medium and sauté the chopped onion for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over it, and let it warm through. If needed, thin the sauce with a splash of extra chicken broth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated over low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.5g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 120mg