This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a delightful dish that can be ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties. With simple ingredients and rich flavors, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a creamy garlic herb masterpiece. It’s not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various occasions, whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, allowing you to enjoy a home-cooked meal without spending all evening in the kitchen.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy garlic herb sauce made from cream cheese elevates the chicken, providing a comforting and delicious flavor profile.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce; this dish pairs well with many sides.
- Few Ingredients: Made with everyday pantry staples, this recipe requires minimal shopping and preparation time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: The creamy texture and savory flavors are sure to satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready will make your time in the kitchen more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet ensures even cooking of the chicken while allowing the sauce to develop rich flavors.
- Microwave-safe bowl: Softening the cream cheese in a microwave saves time and makes mixing easier.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for cutting chicken and vegetables safely and efficiently.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients.
Ingredients
This easy cream cheese chicken is a 30-minute meal made with pantry staples! Transform a block of cream cheese into the best creamy garlic herb sauce.
For the Creamy Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly) (softened)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Flavoring
- 1/2 medium onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, to taste)
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese
Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Breasts
Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner pieces. Season them with garlic powder and some salt & pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Melt butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add chicken pieces. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (165F). Transfer cooked chicken to a plate.
Step 4: Sauté Onions
Reduce heat to medium. Add onions to skillet; sauté for about 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned.
Step 5: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 6: Make the Sauce
Add chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir until smooth; this may take several minutes.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Sauce
Return cooked chicken to skillet. Warm through while stirring gently. If needed, thin out sauce with more chicken broth. Adjust seasoning with extra salt & pepper if desired. Sprinkle with parsley before serving immediately.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
This easy cream cheese chicken dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to please every palate.
With Pasta
- Pair it with your favorite pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, for a comforting meal that combines flavors beautifully.
Over Rice
- Serve the creamy chicken over steamed rice or jasmine rice. The rice absorbs the sauce and adds a delightful texture.
On a Bed of Greens
- For a lighter option, place the chicken on a bed of fresh spinach or arugula. Drizzle some of the sauce on top for added flavor.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for soft tacos. Top with fresh veggies and your choice of salsa for an exciting twist.
How to Perfect Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
To make sure your easy cream cheese chicken turns out great every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use softened cream cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Season well: Don’t skip on seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Cook chicken thoroughly: Make sure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust thickness: If your sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to switch up the Italian seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Complementing easy cream cheese chicken with tasty sides can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic side dishes to consider.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes flavored with garlic pair wonderfully with the rich sauce.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, making it a healthy addition.
- Roasted Vegetables: A mix of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini provides a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
- Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, serve with cauliflower rice flavored with herbs and spices.
- Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad mixed with cucumbers and tomatoes complements the creamy dish perfectly.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a burst of sweetness that balances well with the flavors of the sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking can be a lot of fun, but making mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when making Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.
- Skipping the cream cheese softening step: If you don’t soften the cream cheese, it won’t blend smoothly into the sauce, creating lumps. Always microwave it until very soft.
- Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry and tough. Monitor the cooking time closely, aiming for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your chicken and sauce adequately can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Adding all ingredients at once: This can prevent flavors from developing properly. Sauté onions before adding garlic and other ingredients for better flavor depth.
- Neglecting to check sauce consistency: If your sauce is too thick, it may not coat the chicken well. Add more chicken broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- You can freeze portions of this dish in freezer-safe containers.
- It should maintain quality for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals on medium power, stirring occasionally, until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Cream Cheese Chicken that might help you enjoy this recipe even more.
Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes! This recipe works well with turkey or even lean cuts of beef or lamb if you prefer.
How do I make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative that melts well.
What can I serve with Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
How long does it take to prepare Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
With only 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, you can have this meal ready in just 30 minutes!
Final Thoughts
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give this creamy delight a try—I’m sure you’ll love it!
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick and delicious dish that transforms ordinary chicken into an extraordinary meal in just 30 minutes. With its creamy garlic herb sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or surprise dinner guests. The combination of simple ingredients like cream cheese and chicken broth creates a rich flavor profile that pairs beautifully with various sides, from pasta to rice or even fresh greens. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining friends, this easy chicken recipe will surely impress.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 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)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Microwave the cream cheese until soft, then set aside.
- Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise; season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; add chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and sauté onions in the same skillet for about 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Stir in chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes until smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet; warm through while stirring gently. Adjust sauce thickness with more broth if necessary.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: Make sure to soften your cream cheese for a lump-free sauce. Feel free to customize by adding your favorite herbs or spices for extra flavor.