Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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Plated Cream Cheese Chicken with Creamy Sauce – Easy One-Skillet Dinner

Dinner

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is calling your name! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—easy to throw together, rich and satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Whether you serve it over rice, pasta, or with veggies, this dish brings restaurant-quality comfort right to your table. Plus, it’s picky-eater approved and makes the best leftovers.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Cream Cheese Chicken

This Cream Cheese Chicken is a total game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s creamy, savory, and just a little indulgent—in the best way. The combination of tender chicken and melty cream cheese creates a luscious sauce that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to make. You only need one skillet and 30 minutes to bring it all together. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe always delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Bonus: it’s super versatile and easy to customize to your tastes!

Ingredients

You won’t believe how few ingredients you need to make something this delicious! Most of these are pantry staples, and you can easily swap or add to them based on what you have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cream Cheese Chicken Ingredients Laid Out on Kitchen Counter
All the ingredients you need for this creamy chicken dish—simple, delicious, and totally fuss-free!
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water with a bouillon cube)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but yummy!)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

This Cream Cheese Chicken comes together in just a few simple steps. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for when you need a comforting meal on the table—fast.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cream Cheese Chicken in One Skillet
Searing, stirring, and simmering—this creamy chicken dish comes together in just one skillet!
  1. Prep the Chicken
    Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Sear the Chicken
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce
    In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Add Flavor Boosters
    Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  5. Combine Everything
    Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to soak up all that creamy goodness.
  6. Garnish and Serve
    Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Servings and Timing

This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is perfect for feeding a small crowd or meal prepping for the week. It makes enough for about 4 servings, depending on portion size and what you serve it with.

Total Time:

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total: 30 minutes from start to finish!

Serve it over fluffy rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a bed of sautéed spinach for a cozy and complete meal. It’s fast, filling, and sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!

Tips and Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some fun twists and helpful tips to switch things up or stretch the recipe:

Tips:

  • Soften the cream cheese before cooking for a smoother sauce. Leave it at room temp for 20 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds.
  • Use thin-cut chicken breasts or pound them for even cooking.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter to the sauce.

Variations:

  • Add veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers while the sauce simmers.
  • Go spicy: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
  • Swap proteins: Try it with turkey cutlets or even shrimp!
  • Low carb? Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

Storage

Leftovers? Lucky you! This Cream Cheese Chicken stores beautifully and tastes just as good the next day (if not better).

Refrigerator:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezer:

You can freeze it, but keep in mind cream cheese sauces may change texture slightly. If you do, let it cool completely, store in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—just adjust cook time as needed.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

Microwave it in a bowl for 10–15 seconds or leave it on the counter for 20–30 minutes.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Add everything to the slow cooker (except cheese and garnish), cook on low 4–6 hours, stir in cheese near the end.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Totally! Just skip the optional cheddar cheese if watching dairy intake and serve with low-carb sides.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely—spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli work great and boost the nutrition.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

Use vegetable broth, water with bouillon, or even milk for a creamy twist.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Cook on low heat and stir gently to keep the cream cheese smooth and creamy.

Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy comfort food cravings any night of the week. Plus, it’s flexible, family-friendly, and comes together in just 30 minutes—what’s not to love?

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want something cozy and delicious, this recipe is bound to become a regular in your kitchen. Don’t forget to pin it for later and share it with your foodie friends on Pinterest!

Craving more tasty recipes? Follow @butteryrecipes on Pinterest and Facebook for daily inspiration!

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Plated Cream Cheese Chicken with Creamy Sauce – Easy One-Skillet Dinner

Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and full of flavor, this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is calling your name! It’s the perfect weeknight dinner—easy to throw together, rich and satisfying, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or water with a bouillon cube)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but yummy!)
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower the heat and add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese (if using) and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to soak up all that creamy goodness.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese before cooking for a smoother sauce. Try adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients. You can swap chicken for turkey or even shrimp!

  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 570mg
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: chicken, cream cheese, easy dinner, comfort food

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