This Cream Cheese Chicken is a simple, tasty dinner that you can whip up in no time! With juicy chicken breasts and a rich cream cheese sauce, it’s creamy and satisfying.
You just mix the cream cheese with some spices, cook the chicken, and let the flavors blend. It’s so easy, even I can do it on a busy night! Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best for this dish. You can use thighs if you prefer darker meat, as they stay moist and tender. Just adjust the cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer.
Cream Cheese: This is the star of the dish, giving it a creamy texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Neufchâtel cheese. For a dairy-free alternative, try using cashew cream or a vegan cream cheese product.
Chicken Broth: It adds flavor to the sauce. If you’re low on broth, feel free to use water or vegetable broth for a lighter taste. You can also use homemade broth if you have any available; it enhances the flavor even more!
Spices: Garlic and paprika really bring the dish to life! You can substitute garlic with garlic powder in a pinch and switch paprika for smoked paprika to add a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs can also be a great addition!
How Do You Make the Creamy Sauce Smooth?
Making a smooth sauce is a key step in this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- After sautéing the garlic, lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese gradually. Mixing it with the broth helps it melt evenly.
- Stir consistently and patiently until you have a creamy texture. If it seems too thick, add a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Remove the pan from heat if the sauce heats too quickly; this prevents clumping.
Taking these steps will ensure your sauce is silky and delicious, coating the chicken perfectly!
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe For Easy Dinner
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Optional: chopped parsley for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes getting everything ready and about 20 minutes cooking. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning on both sides. Make sure to cover them nicely to enhance the flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. When done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. It really brings a lovely flavor to the dish!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, just add a little more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.
5. Combine and Simmer:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken, then cover the skillet and let it simmer for another 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up those delicious flavors.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is heated through, garnish with chopped parsley if you’d like. Serve hot with your favorite side, whether it’s rice, pasta, or some steamed veggies. Enjoy your easy and tasty dinner!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight. If you need it thawed quickly, you can seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option or a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version. Additionally, cashew cream blended with a bit of lemon juice can also work well for a creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over low heat or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to the skillet after sautéing the garlic. Cook them until tender, then add the cream cheese and broth for a complete meal in one dish!
