Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce infused with Italian herbs and a hint of red pepper flakes. Quick to prepare and packed with comforting flavors, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet simple.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 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
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut it into smaller pieces and set aside to use later.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating 4 thinner pieces. Season each piece evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Onions: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the chopped onions. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they become softened and lightly browned.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Make Sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes smooth, which may take a few minutes.
- Combine and Finish: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, coating them in the creamy sauce. Warm through. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- Softening the cream cheese beforehand helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- You can serve this dish with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Easy Chicken Recipe, Creamy Chicken Dinner, Quick Weeknight Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Italian Style Chicken