Name: Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh chopped parsley, optional

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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that transforms basic ingredients into a creamy garlic herb chicken skillet in just 30 minutes. With a luscious cream cheese sauce infused with herbs and garlic, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough to serve to guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes
Creamy, garlicky sauce with rich flavor from cream cheese and herbs
Made with pantry staples, no special ingredients required
One-pan meal for easy cleanup
Family-friendly and picky eater approved
Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests
Great served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Adjustable heat with optional red pepper flakes
Elegant presentation, despite minimal effort
Can be paired with vegetables for a complete meal

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese (softened block, preferably full-fat)
Large chicken breasts
Garlic powder
Salt and pepper
Butter
Olive oil
Onion (chopped)
Garlic cloves (minced)
Chicken broth
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes
Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Prepare the cream cheese: Microwave until very soft, cut into small pieces, and set aside.
Slice the chicken: Cut each chicken breast in half lengthwise to make 4 thinner pieces. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side or until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté onions: Lower the heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the same skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened and golden.
Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Make the sauce: Add chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir until the sauce is smooth—this may take a few minutes.
Combine and finish: Return the chicken to the skillet. Simmer until warmed through. Thin the sauce with a splash of broth if needed. Adjust seasoning to taste and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add spinach or mushrooms for a vegetable boost
Use chicken thighs for added flavor and juiciness
Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes
Stir in a splash of lemon juice for brightness
Use flavored cream cheese (like chive or herb) for a twist
Substitute turkey or pork cutlets if desired

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the cream cheese sauce may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I use whipped or spreadable cream cheese?

Block cream cheese is recommended for best consistency, but whipped can be used in a pinch if well softened.

What should I serve this chicken with?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat gently to preserve the sauce’s texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Use a large skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Is it keto-friendly?

Yes, if served without pasta or with a low-carb side like cauliflower rice.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Let it simmer uncovered to reduce, or add a bit more cream cheese.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it after the sauce is made and simmer just to heat through.

How do I make this dairy-free?

This dish is dairy-heavy, but you could try using a plant-based cream cheese alternative and non-dairy butter.

Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?

Yes, add quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or thin-sliced mushrooms with the onions.

Does this dish freeze well?

Freezing is not ideal due to the cream cheese base, which can separate upon thawing.

Conclusion

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dinner that comes together in just half an hour. Made with everyday ingredients, it’s a fuss-free way to elevate your weeknight meal rotation. Whether served over pasta or with a simple side of veggies, this dish offers rich flavor and satisfying simplicity with every bite.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick 30-minute dinner recipe made with simple pantry staples. Juicy seared chicken breasts are coated in a rich, creamy garlic herb sauce made from cream cheese and broth—perfect over pasta, rice, or veggies!

Instructions

Microwave the cream cheese until very soft, then cut into chunks. Set aside.
Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 4 thinner cutlets. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F). Remove and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium. Add chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in chicken broth, then add softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Return chicken to the skillet and heat through. Add more broth if sauce is too thick.
Season to taste and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot.