Description
Creamy, comforting cream cheese chicken delivers a delightful dinner solution that promises pure culinary satisfaction. Cheesy, tender chicken brings Southern-style comfort right to your family’s dinner table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Cooking Liquids and Fats:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8.1 fluid ounces) chicken broth
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters/2 fluid ounces) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 (8 ounces/227 grams) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Aromatics and Herbs:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Transform chicken breasts into a flavor-packed canvas by generously coating each side with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Awaken the skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat, then carefully nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the pan. Allow each side to develop a golden, crispy exterior, cooking for approximately 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a perfect 165°F / 74°C. Tenderly transfer the cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet as a flavor foundation, melting butter and introducing minced garlic. Let the aromatics dance and release their fragrance for a brief moment. Introduce chicken broth, gently simmering and lifting the caramelized remnants from the pan’s surface. Gradually incorporate cream cheese cubes, stirring until they transform into a luxuriously smooth sauce.
- Elevate the sauce’s complexity by folding in Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of red pepper flakes for those seeking a subtle heat. Should the sauce appear too dense, finesse its consistency by introducing a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream.
- Reunite the seared chicken with the velvety sauce, carefully spooning the liquid treasure over each piece. Allow the chicken to bathe in the sauce for 2-3 minutes, enabling the flavors to intertwine and create a harmonious culinary symphony.
- Present the dish with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley, creating a vibrant finishing touch. Serve alongside your preferred accompaniment – whether it’s fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, faster melting and a more consistent sauce texture.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or replacing with smoked paprika for a milder flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg