If you’re looking for a rich, satisfying dinner with minimal fuss, you’re going to fall in love with this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken. This dish is the very definition of comfort food: juicy chicken breasts pan-seared to golden perfection, smothered in a silky, garlicky cream cheese sauce that clings to every bite. In just one skillet and under 30 minutes, you get a meal that tastes like it belongs in your favorite restaurant, yet it’s simple enough to throw together on the busiest weeknights. Trust me, once you’ve made this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, you’ll crave those velvety textures and bold flavors again and again.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This simple lineup of ingredients is the foundation for a dinner that’s both comforting and impressive. Each one adds its own magic, from the tang of cream cheese to the herby zip of Italian seasoning, making this recipe a staple you’ll return to again and again.

Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for the silkiest, dreamiest sauce you’ve ever tasted.
Chicken breasts: Slicing them thinner means quicker cooking and extra juiciness in every forkful.
Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, mellow depth to season the chicken just right.
Salt & pepper: Don’t be shy—season generously for maximum flavor balance.
Butter: For richness and a beautiful golden sear on your chicken.
Olive oil: Complements the butter while preventing it from burning in the pan.
Onion: Chopped and sautéed, it lays down the savory base for your sauce.
Fresh garlic: Three cloves, just enough to make the sauce sing without overpowering.
Chicken broth: Loosens up the sauce and deepens the meaty flavor.
Italian seasoning: A pinch brings in those classic Mediterranean vibes.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A subtle whisper of heat keeps the sauce interesting.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness right before serving.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Start by microwaving your cream cheese until it’s very soft and almost melty—this step sets you up for an ultra-smooth sauce later. Cube it up for easy melting, then set it aside so it’s ready to jump into your skillet when the time comes.

Step 2: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create four thinner, faster-cooking pieces. Sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper—think of this as building layers of flavor from the very start of the recipe.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Melt the butter and olive oil together in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Once they’re nice and hot, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes per side. You’re aiming for gorgeous golden color and perfectly juicy meat. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 4: Sauté the Onions

Turn the heat down to medium before adding the chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté gently, letting the onion soften and pick up all the savory bits left by the chicken—it should become translucent and just slightly browned, which adds wonderful sweetness to the sauce.

Step 5: Add Garlic and Aromatics

Toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This brief sizzle wakes up the flavor and infuses the oil with that classic garlicky aroma we all love.

Step 6: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

Poor in the chicken broth, then immediately add your softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir patiently—the cream cheese will become velvety, turning the pan sauce into a luscious blanket that’s perfect for enveloping the chicken.

Step 7: Return Chicken to Pan and Finish

Add the chicken pieces and any juices back into the skillet, nestling them into that dreamy sauce. Let everything warm through for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add another splash of broth until it’s pourable and just right. Taste and adjust for salt, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if you like. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot and ultra-creamy!

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Garnishes

Shower your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. If you want to really make it shine, add an extra turn of cracked black pepper on top just before bringing it to the table—simple touches that elevate the entire meal.

Side Dishes

This recipe loves to be paired with buttery mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even silky pasta—all excellent for soaking up extra sauce. If you want to keep things lighter, try a nest of sautéed greens or crispy roasted broccoli on the side. The versatility is part of what makes Easy Cream Cheese Chicken such a regular dinner hero.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, slice the chicken and serve it family-style over a bed of warm penne or spooned onto toasted garlic bread for a hearty open-faced sandwich. You can even shred any leftovers for wraps or tuck it inside a baked potato for an ultra-indulgent lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop any leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, and the sauce stays luxuriously creamy!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this dish—just store it in a freezer-safe container once it’s cooled. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. The cream cheese sauce may look a little separated when reheated, but a quick stir will restore its silky texture.

Reheating

Reheat Easy Cream Cheese Chicken gently, either in the microwave on 50 percent power or in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth as needed to get the sauce back to its creamy best. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the sauce overly thick or grainy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and add even more richness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed so they reach a safe internal temperature.

Is there a substitute for cream cheese?

If cream cheese isn’t your favorite, you can try full-fat mascarpone or even a mix of Greek yogurt and heavy cream for a slightly different but delicious vibe.

Can I make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?

You can! Prep the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently reheat and assemble for a low-stress dinner that’s just as creamy and tasty as fresh.

How spicy is this dish?

The crushed red pepper flakes add only a gentle warmth, but you can easily increase or omit them to suit your preference. The sauce is mostly rich and creamy with a tiny kick in the background.

Will the sauce thicken as it sits?

Yes, the sauce can thicken as it cools. If you’d like to loosen it up when serving or reheating, just add a splash more chicken broth and stir well until smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. It’s easy enough for weeknights but fancy enough for special company, and the flavors are guaranteed crowd-pleasers. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked from your very first creamy, dreamy bite!

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 11 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a delicious and simple dish that combines juicy chicken with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Instructions

Microwave the cream cheese: Heat the cream cheese until very soft, cut it into smaller pieces, and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts in half lengthwise, season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken in butter and oil until golden and cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté onions and garlic: In the same skillet, cook onions until soft, then add garlic.
Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth.
Combine and serve: Return chicken to the skillet, warm through, adjust seasoning, sprinkle with parsley, and serve.

Notes

This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, or a fresh salad.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
Feel free to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Fry
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 32g
Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Chicken Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe, Creamy Chicken