Velvety Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Tender chicken meets creamy cheese in a mouthwatering cream cheese chicken recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Weeknight dinners transform with this simple yet incredibly satisfying dish.

Every bite delivers rich, velvety flavors that dance across your palate.

The blend of juicy chicken and smooth cream cheese creates a harmonious meal everyone will adore.

Protein-packed and utterly delicious, this recipe comes together in less than an hour.

Minimal ingredients and maximum flavor make this a go-to meal for busy households.

Dive into this delectable culinary experience that will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients You’ll Need For Cream Cheese Chicken

For Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender cut perfect for absorbing rich flavors, choose fresh boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
For Seasoning Blend:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance chicken's natural taste, use freshly ground for maximum flavor intensity.
For Cooking Liquid:
  • Olive Oil: Provides smooth searing base with heart-healthy benefits, select extra virgin for best quality.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates delicious cooking liquid that adds depth and moisture, opt for low-sodium version to control salt content.
For Sauce Base:
  • Butter: Adds luxurious richness and smooth texture, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
  • Cream Cheese: Creates velvety, tangy sauce foundation, select full-fat version for most decadent result.
  • Minced Garlic: Delivers sharp, pungent undertone, choose fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor.
For Sauce Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty complexity, grate fresh for superior melting quality.
  • Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal Mediterranean notes, choose blend with oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers, adjust quantity based on personal preference.
For Finishing Touch:
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle herbal note, chop just before serving.

What Tools Work Best For Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating creamy sauce, preferably with a heavy bottom for even heat distribution.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Crucial for flipping chicken and moving it around the skillet without damaging the meat.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing chicken and chopping fresh parsley.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise cutting of chicken, garlic, and parsley.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Measuring Cup: Useful for measuring chicken broth and other liquid ingredients.
  • Cheese Grater: Optional for freshly grating Parmesan cheese.

Quick How-To For Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Chicken Preparation

Grab your chicken breasts and shower them with a blend of zesty seasonings. Each piece gets a flavor massage with garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.

  • Golden Sizzle

Fire up a skillet with olive oil dancing at medium heat. Drop in the seasoned chicken and let it transform into a gorgeous golden-brown treasure. Cook until perfectly done, ensuring a juicy interior.

  • Creamy Dream Sauce

In the same magical pan, melt butter and welcome minced garlic. Pour chicken broth and create a simmering playground. Introduce cream cheese cubes, watching them melt into a silky smooth symphony.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the sauce. Add a whisper of red pepper flakes if you crave a tiny spark. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing extra broth or cream.

  • Final Harmony

Nestle the chicken back into the creamy landscape. Let everything cuddle together for a few moments, allowing flavors to whisper sweet nothings.

  • Serving Magic

Shower with fresh parsley and serve alongside fluffy rice, tender pasta, or cloud-like mashed potatoes. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Cream Cheese Chicken Tips And Easy Tweaks

  • Butter Temperature Trick: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure smoother, faster melting in the sauce.
  • Chicken Tenderness Secret: Pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness before seasoning to guarantee even cooking and prevent dry edges.
  • Flavor Boosting Hack: Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet for 30 seconds before adding liquid to intensify its aromatic profile and depth.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly option that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream and nutritional yeast for a plant-based version that mimics the original's creamy texture.
  • Herb Swap Potential: Experiment with fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the creamy sauce.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to personal preference or replace with smoked paprika for a different heat dimension without overwhelming spiciness.

How To Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Simply

  • Dinner Date Night Delight: Dress up this creamy chicken with soft candlelight and a crisp white wine for a romantic meal that feels like a restaurant experience.
  • Comfort Food Feast: Pair this rich dish with buttery roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans to create a hearty, satisfying dinner that warms the soul.
  • Low-Carb Love: Swap traditional sides for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the meal lighter while maintaining all the delicious cream cheese flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making quick lunches or next-day dinners a breeze with this versatile recipe.

Cream Cheese Chicken Storage And Meal Advice

  • Smart Meal Prep Strategy: Cook extra chicken breasts during this recipe and slice them for quick lunch salads or wraps throughout the week, maximizing your kitchen time and ingredient usage.
  • Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover cream cheese chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain sauce smoothness and prevent drying out.
  • Freezing Friendly Option: Separate chicken and sauce before freezing in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat slowly, stirring occasionally to restore creamy texture.
  • Portion Control Technique: Use individual meal-prep containers to divide chicken and sauce into single servings, making grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners super convenient for busy days.
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Velvety Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Velvety Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Spectacular cream cheese chicken enchants dinner tables with creamy, savory goodness. Comfort comes alive through simple ingredients and quick preparation, satisfying hungry families in less than an hour.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz (200 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (250 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream or milk
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor penetration.
  2. Searing: Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, creating a sizzling surface to develop a golden-brown, caramelized chicken exterior while sealing in succulent juices.
  3. Garlic Infusion: Reduce skillet heat and introduce minced garlic, allowing its pungent essence to permeate the cooking oils and create a fragrant base.
  4. Sauce Creation: Melt cream cheese into the skillet, then whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, transforming the mixture into a silky, luxurious sauce with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Simmering: Allow the sauce to gently thicken, developing a rich, velvety consistency that will elegantly embrace the chicken.
  6. Final Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the creamy sauce, cover, and simmer until chicken reaches perfect doneness and absorbs the sauce’s complex flavors.
  7. Plating: Transfer chicken to serving plates, lavishly drench with remaining sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese, then serve immediately alongside preferred accompaniments like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Spice Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, fresh spices for a more intense and vibrant flavor profile in your chicken coating.
  • Searing Technique: Ensure your skillet is hot but not smoking when searing chicken to create a perfect golden-brown crust without burning.
  • Cream Cheese Consistency: Soften cream cheese at room temperature before adding to the skillet for smoother, lump-free sauce integration.
  • Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and juicy meat.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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