If there's one meal that always feels like comfort in a skillet, it's this cream cheese chicken. You get juicy, golden chicken cooked in a creamy garlic sauce that's smooth, cheesy, and cozy enough to make the whole table happy.
I love making this on weeknights because it doesn't need much-just a few simple ingredients, one pan, and about 30 minutes. Plus, it reheats really well, so leftovers make a great lunch the next day.
If you love creamy chicken recipes, you should also check out my creamy tuscan chicken pasta for another easy, rich dinner idea.
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why you'll love this cream cheese chicken
- Quick and easy: ready in under 40 minutes.
- One-pan meal: fewer dishes and less cleanup.
- Family-approved: kids and adults both love the creamy sauce.
- Customizable: spice it up, add veggies, or swap in different seasonings.
ingredients you'll need
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish
step-by-step instructions
step 1 - prep the cream cheese
Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces so it blends smoothly into the sauce later. Set aside.
step 2 - season and cook the chicken
Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove the chicken and set aside.
step 3 - make the sauce
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the onions and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy-this may take a couple of minutes.
step 4 - bring it all together
Add the chicken back into the skillet and spoon the sauce over it. Warm everything through. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
tips for the best results
- Use room temperature cream cheese so it blends into the sauce without lumps.
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken-this helps it get nicely golden.
- Thin the sauce gradually: it's easier to add more broth than fix a runny sauce.
storage tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven at 300°F. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
serving suggestions
This creamy chicken pairs so well with:
- Mashed potatoes or rice (perfect for soaking up the sauce)
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette
variations to try
- Make it spicy: double the crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
- Add veggies: spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers taste amazing in the sauce.
- Dairy-free swap: use plant-based cream cheese for a lighter option.
frequently asked questions
Absolutely-Parmesan, Gouda, or even cheddar will work.
Yes! Cook the chicken and sauce up to a day ahead, store them separately, then warm together before serving.
You can use reduced-fat cream cheese or add extra broth and vegetables to stretch the sauce.
Low and slow is best. Cover and warm in the oven at 300°F, or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
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conclusion
This easy cream cheese chicken recipe proves that comfort food doesn't have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, one pan, and just half an hour, you'll have a rich and creamy chicken dinner that everyone will ask for again.
Print📖 Recipe
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy, golden chicken simmered in a rich, creamy garlic sauce made with cream cheese-this one-pan dinner is comfort food at its best, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 large chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Microwave the cream cheese until very soft and cut into smaller pieces. Set aside.
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Sauté onions for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, then add cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add chicken back to skillet and spoon sauce over it. Warm through. Add more broth if sauce is too thick. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the oven at 300°F, adding a splash of broth if needed. Great with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp side salad. You can also customize with extra veggies, spice, or dairy-free swaps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
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