This Cream Cheese Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious! It’s made with tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and your favorite seasonings for a quick and easy meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of this dish! It’s a lifesaver on busy days, and I love serving it over rice or with some bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep this dish lean and tender. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work well too. They’ll give the dish a richer flavor.
Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient for creaminess. Neufchâtel cheese can be a lighter option, or you can use ricotta for a different texture. Vegan cream cheese can also substitute for a dairy-free version.
Chicken Broth: Store-bought is convenient, but homemade broth amps up the flavor. For a lower-sodium option, look for reduced-sodium broth, or use vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian dish.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and enhances the dish’s flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast can add a nice cheesy flavor for a vegan option.
How Do You Achieve a Deliciously Seared Chicken?
Getting that golden-brown crust on the chicken is key to flavor! Start by ensuring your skillet is hot enough to sear the chicken without steaming it. Here are some tips:
- Heat your oil until it shimmers before adding the chicken.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan as this lowers the temperature and can result in steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
- Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes for a good sear, then flip carefully with tongs.
What’s the Best Way to Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Mixing the cream cheese with the broth is essential to get a velvety sauce. Here’s how to ensure it’s lump-free:
- Use softened cream cheese for easy blending. If it’s too cold, microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften.
- Whisk the broth into the cream cheese gradually. This helps to create a smooth, consistent mix.
- If you prefer, use a hand mixer for quick and easy blending!
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or dried thyme
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cream Cheese Chicken will take about 10 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to cook, totaling roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This way, it’s ready to go when you finish preparing the chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This adds flavor to your chicken and makes each bite delicious!
3. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, just until they’re golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. This creamy goodness will be poured over the chicken!
5. Coat the Chicken:
Pour the cream cheese mixture over the seared chicken in the skillet, ensuring that the chicken is well coated in this luscious sauce. It will melt and create a beautiful layer when baking.
6. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for accuracy!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) over the top for a lovely finishing touch. This not only adds flavor but also makes it look pretty!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Cream Cheese Chicken warm, making sure to spoon some of that creamy sauce over the chicken. Enjoy this delightful meal with your favorite sides!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder flavor or even cheddar for a richer taste. Just keep in mind that the texture will vary slightly depending on your choice.
How Can I Make This Dish a Little Spicier?
To give your Cream Cheese Chicken a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes when serving to suit your heat preference!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw them first for even cooking. The safest way is to leave them in the fridge overnight. If you’re short on time, you can use the quick method of submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water until thawed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a touch of chicken broth if needed to restore the creaminess.
