If you’re after a creamy, satisfying chicken dinner that comes together in a flash with everyday ingredients, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is about to become your weeknight hero. Tender chicken breasts are coated in luscious, cheesy sauce with just a hint of Italian herbs, and the whole dish is ready in under 30 minutes. Whether served atop pasta, fluffy rice, or a mountain of mashed potatoes, every bite delivers major comfort food vibes. It’s one of those reliable recipes you’ll return to again and again, especially after you taste just how dreamy (and easy!) this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken really is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is that it uses simple staples, yet each one brings something wonderful to the table—flavor, texture, or a pop of color. Here’s why each ingredient matters for getting that perfect creamy goodness every time.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star for a lean, tender base that soaks up flavors.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken get that beautiful golden sear.
- Garlic powder: Brings mellow garlicky warmth throughout the dish without any chopping fuss.
- Onion powder: Lends savory depth in every mouthful for a homestyle feel.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all those great flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds just enough kick and brightness to balance the creamy sauce.
- Cream cheese (softened and cubed): The creamy superstar—provides the rich, silky sauce that hugs each bite.
- Chicken broth: Loosens up the sauce and adds loads of savory flavor.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs to boost aroma and give a subtle herby punch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts lusciously on top for that irresistible cheesy pull.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: For the ultimate savory finish and a hint of nutty saltiness.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): The perfect green flourish to brighten the plate and add a fresh note.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Begin by giving your chicken breasts a flavor boost! Sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This step ensures that every bite of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is savory and perfectly seasoned from the inside out.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Warm up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your chicken breasts and cook them for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden and cooked through. The sear locks in juices and adds delicious caramelization—the first layer of big flavor in this dish.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside for a moment. Lower the skillet heat, then pour in the chicken broth and add the cubes of cream cheese along with the Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into the broth, creating a silky, dreamy sauce that’s the essence of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Nestle the chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the luxurious sauce generously over each piece. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses on top, then cover the pan. Let everything cook together for 3 to 4 more minutes—enough time to melt the cheese into bubbly, gooey perfection.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the lid off to reveal your masterpiece! Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley if you like. Your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is ready for the table, hot, creamy, and calling everyone to dinner.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Garnishes
A shower of freshly chopped parsley really wakes up every plate with a bit of color and a subtle herbal note. For an extra-special touch, a little extra Parmesan or a grind of fresh black pepper on top will make each serving restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This creamy delight loves to be spooned over a bed of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or classic mashed potatoes—the sauce soaks in and elevates every bite. If you’re after a lighter touch, try it with steamed vegetables, roasted green beans, or even cauliflower mash to keep it low-carb.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Easy Cream Cheese Chicken into an elegant dinner by slicing the breasts and arranging them over a platter of garlic butter noodles, letting the sauce drizzle down the sides. Or, shred leftover chicken and serve warm over toasted ciabatta as a cheesy open-faced sandwich. It’s also fantastic layered into a casserole with sautéed mushrooms for next-level comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Tuck them into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken marvelously moist, so it tastes just as good (if not better) for lunch the next day!
Freezing
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is freezer-friendly. Cool everything completely, then package it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months—just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a covered skillet with a splash of broth or milk to revive that creamy sauce. You can also use the microwave (low power, covered) for quick lunches, just stir halfway through and keep a close watch so the sauce stays velvety smooth.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are a great substitute in Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, yielding even juicier results with the same creamy, cheesy sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
You bet! Swap in light (reduced-fat) cream cheese and use a little less mozzarella or Parmesan for a lighter take that still feels indulgent.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely. Sauté mushrooms or spinach right in the pan with the chicken for extra texture, color, and nutrition—both play beautifully with the creamy sauce!
How can I tell if the chicken is fully cooked?
Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When pierced, the juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink in the center.
What can I do if my sauce seems too thick?
No worries! Just stir in an extra splash of chicken broth or a little milk until you reach your ideal sauce consistency for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and always gets rave reviews, don’t wait another night to try Easy Cream Cheese Chicken. It’s a recipe you’ll look forward to sharing (and eating!) every single time.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are cooked to perfection in a creamy, cheesy sauce that is sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add chicken broth, cream cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and cook: Return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the chicken, and sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan. Cover and cook for 3–4 more minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- For added flavor, sauté fresh garlic and mushrooms with the chicken.
- Use light cream cheese for a lower-fat option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
