If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet incredibly flavorful dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, you absolutely need to try this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce, infused with garlic and Italian herbs, creating a rich and satisfying meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—few ingredients that come together to make something endlessly comforting and impressive enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, bringing flavor, creaminess, and texture to the table. These simple pantry staples work together to create a sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken, making this skillet dish utterly irresistible.
- Cream cheese (8 ounces, softened): Provides that signature creamy texture and tangy richness for the sauce.
- Chicken breasts (2 large): The main protein, sliced thin for even cooking and tender bites.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds mellow garlic flavor directly to the chicken seasoning.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds a silky, savory depth to the cooking base alongside olive oil.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the chicken beautifully without sticking and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Adds sweetness and texture after a gentle sauté.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic gives a vibrant kick paired perfectly with the cream cheese sauce.
- Chicken broth (3/4 cup): Thins out the sauce and boosts savory depth.
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon): Brings herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for warmth and aroma.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon): A gentle heat to balance the richness.
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, green finish to brighten each plate.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Soften and Prep the Cream Cheese
Start by microwaving your cream cheese until it’s soft and easily spreadable—this helps it melt smoothly into the sauce later. Cutting it into smaller chunks speeds up the melting process and ensures a creamy texture without lumps.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner cutlets. This trick helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly, keeping it juicy. Season both sides with garlic powder, plus salt and pepper to lay down the flavor base.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the butter and olive oil together in a skillet over medium-high heat—this combo gives a beautiful color and a rich flavor. Once hot, add the chicken and cook it for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F). When done, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
Turn the heat down to medium and toss in the chopped onion. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until it softens and starts to caramelize, bringing a lovely sweetness and depth to your dish. Then add the minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds—garlic burns quickly, so keep it moving to release its aroma without bitterness.
Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts and melds into the broth, creating a luscious sauce that’s smooth and irresistible. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more broth to reach your preferred consistency.
Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet
Slip the cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet with the sauce, giving them a good coating and warming through for a few minutes. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed—it’s all about getting the flavor just right!
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens up the entire dish, adding a pop of green and a touch of freshness to balance the creamy sauce. You can also add extra red pepper flakes if you love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This skillet recipe pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice soak up the sauce perfectly. For lighter options, try roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to add some fresh crunch and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of buttered egg noodles or even mashed cauliflower. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil to add an extra touch of indulgence that feels elegant yet comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats wonderfully and tastes just as comforting the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream cheese-based sauces sometimes change texture after freezing. For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce separately, then combine when reheating to maintain that creamy consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and creamy. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water will help if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and have more fat, which makes them very flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is there a substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
You could try mascarpone or a ricotta-cheese blend for a similar creaminess, though cream cheese offers the perfect balance of tang and texture that makes this recipe special.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To keep it dairy-free, try using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and substitute butter with plant-based margarine or extra olive oil. The flavor will be different but still delicious!
What can I add to make the sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer uncovered to reduce. If it’s too thick, gradually add chicken broth or even a splash of milk to loosen it up.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes provide a gentle heat, but it’s quite mild overall. You can adjust the amount up or down depending on your spice preference.
Final Thoughts
This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a trusted favorite. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but special enough to enjoy any time you want a cozy, creamy chicken dinner. I can’t wait for you to make it and discover just how irresistibly simple comfort food can be! Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen.
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Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich and creamy garlic-infused sauce, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. The sauce, made with softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and aromatic seasonings, creates a velvety coating that pairs beautifully with the seared chicken. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is both simple and satisfying, garnished optionally with fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 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
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to make it easier to incorporate into the sauce.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onion: Reduce heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, developing a rich base for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy, 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 until reaching the desired consistency.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish if desired, then serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Microwaving the cream cheese softens it quickly for easier mixing into the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
