Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream cheese chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals. The chicken stays tender while the rich sauce adds a luscious flavor. I like to start by searing the chicken first, which locks in juices and makes the dish extra satisfying without extra effort.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

This cream cheese chicken recipe is simple, flavorful, and adaptable. It’s quick enough for busy evenings, but comforting enough for a sit-down family dinner. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or vegetables. Leftovers reheat well, making it ideal for meal prep or freezer-friendly dinners. Pinterest users will love saving this for its ease, rich flavor, and cozy feel. You can tweak seasonings or add herbs to suit your taste, making it a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish that works any day of the week.

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Ingredients

Tip: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for juicy, tender results.

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
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Instructions

Step 1: Preparation
Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika. Soften cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature. Measure broth and cheese for easy cooking.

Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

See also  Homemade mac and cheese recipe

Step 3: Combining Ingredients
Reduce heat and add cream cheese and chicken broth to the pan. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Finishing & Final Simmer
Return chicken to the pan and coat with sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy. Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley before serving.

Why This Recipe Works for Busy Days

This cream cheese chicken cooks in one skillet with minimal steps, making it ideal for quick weeknight meals. Leftovers store well in the fridge for reheating or freezing, which helps with meal planning. It’s forgiving, easy to customize, and doesn’t require complicated prep, making it perfect for Pinterest users seeking fast, comforting dinners.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chicken Thickness: Pound chicken to even thickness for uniform cooking and juiciness. Avoid overcooking, which dries it out.
  • Cream Cheese Smoothness: Soften cream cheese before adding to the pan to prevent lumps and ensure a creamy sauce.
  • Flavor Boost: Taste sauce before adding chicken back. Adjust seasonings or add a splash of broth for desired consistency.
  • Garnish: Fresh parsley or Parmesan enhances presentation and adds subtle flavor. Sprinkle just before serving for best effect.

Variations

  • Meaty Version: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor and extra tenderness.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or seitan. Pan-sear until golden and coat with the same cream cheese sauce.
  • Ingredient Swap: Replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a tangy or lighter creaminess.
  • Flavor Boost: Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the sauce’s depth and aroma.
See also  Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Serving Suggestions

  • Over Rice: Serve hot over steamed white, brown, or jasmine rice for a comforting dinner.
  • With Pasta: Toss with cooked pasta and sauce for a creamy, family-friendly meal.
  • Veggie Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables or sautéed green beans for balance.
  • Casual Presentation: Plate with a drizzle of sauce and sprinkle of Parmesan for a cozy, Pinterest-ready look.

Storage Instructions

  • Fridge Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container. Keeps 3–4 days while maintaining creamy texture.
  • Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if sauce thickens.
  • Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead Tips: Sear chicken and prepare sauce ahead of time. Combine and simmer just before serving for a quick dinner.

Recipe Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Rest Time: N/A
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Calories: 350–400 per serving
Protein: 30–32 g
Key Nutrients: Protein from chicken, calcium from cream cheese
Values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients or portion sizes.

FAQs

Yes, prepare sauce and chicken separately, combine before reheating.

Ensure cream cheese is softened before adding to the pan. Stir continuously for smoothness.

Yes, thighs work well for juicier, more flavorful results.

Avoid overcooking; cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze up to 2 months.

Conclusion

This cream cheese chicken recipe is creamy, comforting, and perfect for quick family dinners. It’s easy to customize with herbs, spices, or side dishes and works well for leftovers or make-ahead meals. Cooking this dish fills the kitchen with rich aromas and provides a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone will enjoy.

Cream Cheese Chicken Save
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Cream Cheese Chicken

Recipe by Tasty VaultCourse: Cheese Recipes
Servings
See also  Cheese fondue

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Quick, easy, and perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

  • Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, and paprika. Soften cream cheese.
  • Heat oil in a skillet and sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
  • Add cream cheese and chicken broth to pan. Stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning.
  • Return chicken to pan, coat with sauce, and simmer 5–7 minutes until cooked through. Sprinkle Parmesan and parsley before serving.

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