Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with cream cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a comforting and straightforward dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, approximately 20-30 seconds depending on your microwave. Cut it into smaller pieces to help it melt evenly later, then set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Slice each chicken breast in half lengthwise to create four thinner pieces total. Season both sides evenly with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Onion: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned to build flavor for the sauce.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more to release its aroma without burning.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, then add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes of gentle stirring.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it in the sauce. Heat through to meld flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add an additional splash of chicken broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
- Softening cream cheese in the microwave helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder sauce.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness as a garnish.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
