Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish where tender chicken breasts are cooked in a rich, flavorful cream cheese sauce seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. This quick and simple skillet recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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, to taste
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil. When hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté onions: Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onions to the same skillet. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Add the chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy, about a few minutes.
- Combine and finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, coat with the sauce, and warm through. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to thin it. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Softening the cream cheese in the microwave helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a different flavor twist.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
