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Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Delicious!
If you’re looking for a quick, creamy, and flavorful dinner that will impress your family, this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is the perfect choice! Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, infused with garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning for an irresistible dish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this meal is ideal for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for weekend dinners.
Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned chef, this easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe guarantees a restaurant-quality meal at home. Plus, it’s gluten-free and pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies.
Let’s dive into the details of this creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious chicken dish!
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 45 minutes!
✅ Creamy & Flavorful – A rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
✅ Versatile – Pairs well with pasta, rice, or low-carb sides.
✅ Gluten-Free – No flour needed for thickening the sauce.
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe:
Main Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (full-fat for best texture)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for best flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Cream Cheese Chicken:
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).
- Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low.
- Add chicken broth and cream cheese, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
- Pour the cream cheese sauce over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- For extra browning, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides!
Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Chicken
This creamy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with:
🍚 Mashed Potatoes – Soak up the delicious sauce!
🍝 Pasta or Rice – Perfect for a hearty meal.
🥦 Steamed Vegetables – Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
🥗 Fresh Salad – A light side to balance the richness.
🥖 Garlic Bread – For dipping into the creamy sauce!
The Secret to the Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
When it comes to making the best Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe, the secret lies in the balance of flavors and textures. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the rich, velvety cream cheese sauce, creating a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. But how do you ensure your chicken stays moist while the sauce remains smooth and creamy?
First, properly seasoning the chicken is key. A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper enhances the natural flavors of the chicken. For an extra boost, you can marinate the chicken in these spices for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
Next, searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and adds a golden-brown crust. Use a hot skillet with olive oil or butter and cook for just 2-3 minutes per side—this step ensures the chicken stays juicy inside while developing a delicious outer layer.
The cream cheese sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Using full-fat cream cheese ensures a rich, creamy texture, while chicken broth thins it to the perfect consistency. Whisking the sauce continuously prevents lumps and creates a silky-smooth finish. Adding Parmesan cheese gives it a savory depth, making it irresistible.
Finally, baking the chicken in the sauce allows the flavors to meld together. Covering the dish with foil for the first 15 minutes keeps the chicken moist, then removing it for the last 10-15 minutes lets the top lightly brown.
By following these steps, your Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe will turn out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and restaurant-quality every time!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Cream Cheese Chicken
A great Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe deserves equally delicious sides to complete the meal. The rich, creamy sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes, from comforting carbs to fresh, light veggies. Here are some of the best side dishes to serve with this dish:
1. Mashed Potatoes
The ultimate pairing for creamy chicken! The fluffy, buttery potatoes soak up the sauce, making every bite heavenly. For extra flavor, try garlic mashed potatoes or cheesy mashed cauliflower for a low-carb option.
2. Steamed or Roasted Vegetables
A light, crisp side balances the richness of the dish. Some great options include:
- Broccoli (steamed or roasted with garlic)
- Asparagus (drizzled with lemon juice)
- Green beans (sautéed with almonds)
3. Pasta or Rice
- Fettuccine or egg noodles work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
- Jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the flavors beautifully.
4. Fresh Salad
A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness. Try:
- Spinach salad with strawberries and balsamic glaze
- Caesar salad for a classic pairing
5. Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
Perfect for soaking up leftover sauce! A warm, buttery slice of garlic bread or a soft dinner roll makes the meal even more satisfying.
With these sides, your Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe becomes a complete, well-balanced meal that everyone will love!
Variations & Customizations for Cream Cheese Chicken
One of the best things about this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is how versatile it is! You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit different tastes or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Spicy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Top with sliced jalapeños before baking for extra heat.
2. Mushroom & Spinach Cream Cheese Chicken
- Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 2 cups of fresh spinach before adding the cream cheese sauce.
- This adds an earthy, hearty twist to the dish.
3. Bacon & Cheddar Cream Cheese Chicken
- Mix ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce.
- Top with crumbled bacon before serving for a smoky, cheesy flavor.
4. Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken
- Sear the chicken, then place it in a slow cooker with the sauce.
- Cook on low for 4-5 hours for a hands-off, tender result.
5. Keto/Low-Carb Version
- Serve with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.
- Ensure the chicken broth is sugar-free.
6. Dairy-Free Option
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Substitute olive oil or coconut milk for richness.
These variations keep the Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe exciting and adaptable for any occasion. Whether you prefer it spicy, veggie-packed, or keto-friendly, there’s a version for everyone!
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
🔹 Use room-temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce.
🔹 Don’t overcook the chicken—searing just locks in juices.
🔹 Add a splash of heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
🔹 For extra flavor, sauté minced garlic before making the sauce.
🔹 Make it spicy with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust cooking time as needed.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth.
3. Can I Freeze Cream Cheese Chicken?
Yes! Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
4. Can I Make This in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken, then cook on low for 4-5 hours with the sauce.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 110mg |
| Sodium | 420mg |
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Delicious!
Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are smothered in a luscious cream cheese sauce with Parmesan and baked to perfection. Serve it with mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed veggies for a complete meal!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth and cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Assemble & bake: Place chicken in the baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
✔ For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce.
✔ Lower-carb option: Serve with cauliflower rice or steamed broccoli.
✔ Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
✔ Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Final Thoughts on This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy, and flavorful meals. With minimal prep and maximum taste, it’s a weeknight lifesaver that feels indulgent.