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
Scale
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.
