Creamy Dream: Foolproof Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

When preparing this mouthwatering cream cheese chicken recipe, magic happens in your kitchen with minimal effort.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender meat for an irresistible meal.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become special without complicated techniques or expensive components.

Each bite promises rich, comforting flavors that everyone around the table will appreciate.

Weekends or busy evenings call for delicious solutions that satisfy hunger and delight taste buds.

Let you dive into this incredible culinary adventure that promises to become a household favorite.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, cream cheese chicken is perfect for meal prep. You can cook it ahead, store in the refrigerator, and reheat within 3-4 days for easy weeknight dinners.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and offer more flavor and moisture. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs might cook faster than breasts.

• What if my cream cheese is cold and won't blend smoothly?

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking. This helps it melt and blend more easily into the sauce, creating a smoother texture.

Cream Cheese Chicken That Everyone Will Love

• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Create Creamy Comfort: Indulge in a luxurious sauce that combines rich cream cheese and savory Parmesan for maximum flavor satisfaction.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with a recipe that seamlessly transitions from stovetop to oven, reducing dishwashing time and effort.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Pair with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables to adapt this chicken recipe for different taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients To Prepare Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean and tender base for the creamy sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning: A flavorful blend that enhances the chicken's taste and adds depth to the overall dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and velvety sauce with a smooth, tangy texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and helps create a silky sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, salty flavor that complements the creamy sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and preventing sticking.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

How To Cook Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Spice Up the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Step 3: Create a Golden Sear

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the pan.

Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Transfer the chicken to a temporary plate.

Step 4: Craft the Creamy Sauce

Using the same skillet, combine chicken broth and cream cheese. Whisk with enthusiasm until the mixture becomes silky smooth and free of lumps.

Step 5: Enhance the Sauce

Introduce grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the seared chicken into the prepared baking dish.

Pour the luxurious cream cheese sauce all over the chicken, ensuring each piece is generously covered.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be juicy and tender.

Step 8: Final Touches and Serving

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately alongside your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.

Tips To Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken

• Whisk cream cheese slowly and steadily to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the chicken evenly.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken doneness, guaranteeing perfectly cooked, juicy meat every time.
• Add a splash of white wine or herbs like thyme to the sauce for an extra layer of depth and complexity.
• Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that maintains the rich, cheesy flavor profile.

Variations To Try With Cream Cheese Chicken

• Gluten-Free Cream Cheese Chicken: Replace wheat-based seasonings with gluten-free alternatives like tamari sauce and certified gluten-free spice blends.
• Low-Carb Herb Chicken: Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt and add extra herbs like thyme and rosemary for a lighter protein-packed version.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Chicken: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream cheese and Parmesan to create a rich, allergen-friendly sauce.
• Mediterranean-Style Chicken: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and swap Italian seasoning with oregano and basil for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Pairing Suggestions To Serve With Cream Cheese Chicken

A chardonnay or sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich, creamy sauce and complements the chicken’s delicate flavor, creating a balanced dining experience.

Colorful roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and asparagus provide a nutritious and textural contrast to the smooth, velvety cream cheese chicken.

Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs like thyme and parsley adds a nutty, wholesome element that enhances the dish’s savory profile without overwhelming the palate.

Warm, toasted bread slices with a hint of garlic perfectly soak up the extra cream cheese sauce, offering a delightful and indulgent accompaniment to the main course.

Storage Tips To Keep Cream Cheese Chicken Fresh

• Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Stir the sauce midway to distribute heat evenly.

Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Cream Cheese Chicken elevates weeknight dinners with rich, comforting flavors that dance across dinner plates. Savory chicken nestles in a luscious sauce, promising hearty satisfaction you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy and Garnish:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a baking dish with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Generously coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance flavor profiles.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
4. Utilize the same skillet to create a velvety sauce by whisking chicken broth and cream cheese together, ensuring a smooth, consistent texture.
5. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce, adjusting seasonings as needed, and allow the mixture to gently simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop rich flavors.
6. Transfer seared chicken into the prepared baking dish and generously cascade the creamy sauce over the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (74C), guaranteeing thorough cooking.
8. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch, then serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy result, perfect for those who prefer dark meat.
• Adjust cream cheese quantity for a lighter or richer sauce depending on dietary preferences and calorie goals.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt intake and customize the dish’s overall seasoning profile.
• Add diced vegetables like spinach or mushrooms directly into the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg