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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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