Looking for a comforting, creamy, and incredibly delicious chicken recipe? This Cream Cheese Chicken is the perfect answer! It features tender, juicy chicken breasts smothered in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, seasoned to perfection with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian spices. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is a winner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 45 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
✅ Rich & Creamy: Made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and garlic, it’s packed with flavor.
✅ Versatile: Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or veggies.
✅ Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for various diets.
✅ Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients 🛒
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
2. Season & Sear the Chicken
- Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This locks in the juices!
- Transfer the chicken to the baking dish and set aside.
3. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and softened cream cheese.
- Whisk continuously until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
4. Bake the Chicken
- Pour the creamy sauce over the seared chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Pro Tip: For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Best Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Chicken 🍽
This rich and creamy chicken dish pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are a few ideas:
- Mashed Potatoes – Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables – A light and nutritious option.
- Rice or Quinoa – Adds texture and balances the flavors.
- Garlic Bread – For a crunchy contrast.
- Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles) – A low-carb alternative.
Tips for Success 🌟
🔥 Use Softened Cream Cheese: This helps create a smooth sauce without lumps. If needed, microwave it for 15-20 seconds before mixing.
🔥 Sear the Chicken Well: This step locks in moisture and adds a delicious golden crust.
🔥 Customize the Spices: Feel free to add paprika, red pepper flakes, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
🔥 Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
Recipe Variations 🔄
Love a twist on classic cream cheese chicken? Try these variations:
1. Spinach & Cream Cheese Chicken
- Add 1 cup fresh spinach to the sauce before baking.
2. Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff it with cream cheese and spinach.
3. Creamy Garlic Mushroom Chicken
- Sauté 1 cup mushrooms and add them to the sauce for an earthy flavor.
4. Low-Carb Keto Version
- Use heavy cream instead of chicken broth for an ultra-rich, keto-friendly dish.
How to Store & Reheat 🥡
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months.
- When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.
Q2: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place seasoned chicken in a slow cooker, pour sauce over, and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.
Q3: What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
You can use gruyere, cheddar, or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.
Q4: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This dish is naturally low in carbs, making it great for keto and low-carb diets.
Q5: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the baking step, then refrigerate overnight. Bake when ready to serve.
🧄 Cream Cheese Chicken – Easy, Creamy & Irresistible! 🍗✨
Description
This Cream Cheese Chicken is pure comfort food! Juicy, seasoned chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, then baked to perfection. With only 45 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty, satisfying meal! 😍
Ingredients
✔ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
✔ 8 oz cream cheese, softened
✔ 1 cup chicken broth
✔ 1 tsp garlic powder
✔ 1 tsp onion powder
✔ 1 tsp Italian seasoning
✔ 1 tbsp olive oil
✔ ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
✔ ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
✔ Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prep
🔸 Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2️⃣ Season & Sear the Chicken
🔸 Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder & Italian seasoning.
🔸 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce
🔸 In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth & cream cheese until smooth.
🔸 Stir in Parmesan cheese, season to taste, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
🔸 Place seared chicken in the baking dish and pour the creamy sauce over it.
🔸 Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Garnish & Serve
🔸 Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
🍽 Serving Ideas
🥔 With mashed potatoes for extra creaminess
🍚 Over rice or pasta to soak up the sauce
🥦 With steamed veggies or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
💡 Pro Tips:
✔ Want a kick? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
✔ Extra flavor? Sauté mushrooms or spinach into the sauce.
✔ Make-ahead friendly! Leftovers reheat beautifully for an easy next-day meal.
Final Thoughts 🌟
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re making it for a quick dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a family favorite. With minimal effort and maximum taste, this dish will keep everyone coming back for seconds! 🥰