Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Juicy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy, mouthwatering cream cheese chicken recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken breasts become irresistibly rich when bathed in a velvety cream cheese sauce.

The blend of herbs and spices creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience that turns an ordinary meal into a memorable feast.

Simple ingredients combine to craft a dish that feels both elegant and effortless.

Weeknight cooking never looked so delectable, with protein-packed goodness and smooth, tangy notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this recipe and transform your dinner routine into a culinary celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 520 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything Needed For Cream Cheese Chicken

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Select plump, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking and juicy results, preferably organic or free-range for enhanced flavor.
For Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a balanced, aromatic seasoning blend that penetrates and tenderizes the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: Adds herbal complexity and Mediterranean warmth to the dish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spice booster for those craving a subtle heat kick.
For Sauce and Creaminess:
  • Olive Oil: Provides a healthy fat base for searing and prevents sticking.
  • Butter: Introduces rich, velvety undertones to the sauce.
  • Minced Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • Chicken Broth: Creates a light, savory liquid foundation for the sauce.
  • Cream Cheese: Transforms the sauce into a luxuriously smooth, tangy texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Contributes a sharp, salty dimension to complement the creamy base.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish that adds visual appeal and mild herbal notes.

Kitchen Tools For Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating creamy sauce.
  • Cutting board: Needed for preparing ingredients and seasoning chicken.
  • Chef's knife: Perfect for mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
  • Measuring spoons: Help accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring sauce and scraping skillet.
  • Meat thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.
  • Tongs: Helpful for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.

How To Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Chicken Preparation

Select tender chicken breasts and season them with aromatic spices to create a flavor base that will make your dish irresistible.

  • Skillet Searing

Warm olive oil in a pan and transform the chicken into a golden-brown delight, ensuring each piece is cooked perfectly through.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Create a luxurious sauce in the same skillet by melting butter, releasing garlic’s fragrant essence, and incorporating smooth cream cheese for a velvety texture.

  • Flavor Enhancement

Elevate the sauce with Parmesan cheese and a touch of spice, adjusting the consistency to achieve a silky, rich finish.

  • Final Fusion

Reunite the chicken with the decadent sauce, allowing the flavors to dance and intertwine for a few moments of culinary harmony.

  • Elegant Presentation

Sprinkle fresh herbs over the dish and serve alongside your favorite accompaniment for a meal that promises comfort and excitement.

Tips And Tricks For Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Creamy Chicken Perfection: Expert Tips and Twists
  • Low-Carb Magic: Replace traditional sides like rice or pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's rich, creamy flavor profile.
  • Protein Power Boost: Transform this recipe into a high-protein meal by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier sauce with added protein and fewer calories.
  • Spice Lover's Delight: Enhance the heat by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a dash of cayenne pepper. For those who enjoy complex flavors, experiment with smoked paprika or chipotle powder to introduce a smoky undertone.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cream cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version that still delivers incredible taste and creamy texture.

Best Ways To Serve Cream Cheese Chicken

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this creamy chicken over fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • Elegant Dinner Companion: Pair with roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy sauce and add a fresh, vibrant side to your plate.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Skip the starchy sides and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, keto-friendly version that doesn't compromise on flavor.
  • Leftover Magic: Transform extra chicken into a quick sandwich filling or chop and mix into a creamy chicken salad for a delicious next-day lunch option.

How To Store Cream Cheese Chicken Right

  • Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover cream cheese chicken in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to maintain flavor and texture.
  • Quick Reheat Strategy: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Medium-low heat helps restore sauce's creamy consistency without separating ingredients.
  • Freezer-Friendly Tip: Package individual portions in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best quality.
  • Meal Prep Hack: Prepare chicken and sauce separately to extend refrigerator life. Store sauce and chicken in different containers, combining just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
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Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 1x

Description

Creamy dreams come alive with this indulgent cream cheese chicken recipe that promises comfort on a plate. Mild flavors blend seamlessly, offering home cooks a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 (8 oz/227 g) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (240 mL/8.1 fl oz) chicken broth
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup (60 mL/2 fl oz) heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a robust mixture of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring complete coverage on both sides.
  2. Searing Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, carefully place seasoned chicken breasts, and cook until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Pour chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up caramelized bits. Gradually incorporate cream cheese cubes, stirring until a smooth, creamy sauce develops. Enhance with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes for depth of flavor.
  4. Sauce Refinement: Adjust sauce consistency by adding chicken broth or heavy cream if needed. Maintain a luxurious, velvety texture that will beautifully coat the chicken.
  5. Final Assembly: Return seared chicken to the skillet, gently nestling the pieces into the sauce. Allow chicken to simmer for 2-3 minutes, enabling flavors to meld and chicken to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
  6. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately alongside preferred accompaniments like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, creating a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Manage Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165°F / 74°C, preventing dryness while guaranteeing food safety. Overcooking leads to tough, rubbery texture.
  • Prevent Cream Cheese Clumping: Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking, allowing it to soften. Cut into small cubes and stir continuously while melting to create smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: If sauce becomes too thick, gradually add chicken broth or heavy cream. Stir slowly and consistently to maintain silky texture without separating ingredients.
  • Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference. Start with minimal amount, taste, and incrementally add more for desired spiciness without overwhelming the dish’s delicate flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3
  • Calories: 520
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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