When it comes to quick, comforting meals, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken tops the list. This dish combines tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection, all enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s irresistible. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or moments when you crave something special yet simple. Having prepared this dish countless times, I can attest to its magic in transforming an ordinary dinner into something truly delightful.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe isn’t just about ease; it’s about delivering satisfying comfort on a plate. Perfect for those hectic nights when you want to whip up something nourishing without a fuss, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is both budget-friendly and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving a casual family dinner or hosting a gathering of friends, this creamy chicken dish makes a statement.
“This recipe is a lifesaver! My family devoured it, and I had everything on hand. It tastes like a five-star meal but comes together in no time!”
The cooking process explained
Creating Easy Cream Cheese Chicken involves a simple yet effective process. You’ll be sautéing chicken breasts until they’re beautifully browned, then crafting a creamy sauce that brings it all together. This dish can be completed in about 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight option.
Start by gathering all the essential ingredients and prepping your workspace for maximum efficiency.
What you’ll need
For this delectable dish, gather the following items:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute the cream cheese for a lighter version or use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier twist!
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season your chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is nice and smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes to warm through.
- Finally, garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is all about creativity. Consider plating it over a fluffy bed of rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. A side of steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad would add a lovely contrast. You might even want to pair it with garlic bread to make it a full-fledged feast!
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you wish to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Make sure to reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce before serving.
Helpful cooking tips
For the best results, ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can butterfly the chicken for faster cooking. Adding a splash of lemon juice to the sauce can enhance the flavor beautifully, giving it a bright finish.
Creative twists
Get adventurous by introducing different flavors to the dish! Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach into the sauce for added nutrition. If you enjoy spice, a pinch of cayenne pepper can elevate the flavors. You could also swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and lighter option.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken takes about 30 minutes. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight dinner.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well in the refrigerator and can be portioned out for easy meals throughout the week.
By incorporating these guidelines, you’ll not only impress your family with this hearty meal, but you’ll also find yourself enjoying the cooking process as much as the eating!
PrintEasy Cream Cheese Chicken
Quick and comforting creamy chicken dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into something delightful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season your chicken breasts well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet, cooking until it’s golden brown and thoroughly cooked, about 6-7 minutes on each side.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Return the chicken to the skillet, ensuring it’s well coated with the creamy sauce.
- Let it simmer for a few minutes to warm through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness. Butterfly the chicken for faster cooking if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
