This Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick and tasty dinner idea. With chicken cooked in a creamy cheese sauce, it’s comforting and satisfying!
Honestly, this meal is like a warm hug on a plate. I love serving it with rice or pasta to soak up all that delicious sauce! Who doesn’t appreciate easy cleanup too? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb flavors well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey cutlets work great too. For a vegetarian twist, try using firm tofu or chickpeas instead!
Cream Cheese: The star of the creamy sauce! If you’re aiming for lower fat, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a healthier option. Vegan cream cheese is also available if you want a dairy-free alternative.
Chicken Broth: It adds depth to the sauce. If you don’t have broth, water works, but the flavor may be lighter. For a richer taste, use vegetable broth or even white wine.
Herbs & Spices: Garlic and onion powders bring flavor without added prep. Fresh garlic or onions can be used for a more robust taste, but adjust according to your preference. If Italian seasoning isn’t handy, mix dried basil, oregano, and thyme.
How Do I Make the Chicken Extra Tender?
The key to juicy chicken is not to overcook it. Browning the chicken in the skillet gives it flavor, but remember it will continue cooking in the oven. Here’s how to achieve tender chicken:
- Use medium-high heat to sear the chicken for just 3-4 minutes per side—look for a nice golden color.
- When baking, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. 165°F (74°C) is perfect, and will prevent it from drying out.
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking to keep the juices inside.
With these tips and insights, you’ll enjoy a satisfying Cream Cheese Chicken that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!
Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and about 20 minutes to cook, for a total of around 30 minutes. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending a lot of time in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential so that the chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Season the Chicken:
Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides. This enhances the flavor of the chicken and ensures it’s tasty through and through!
3. Brown the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. You don’t need to cook them all the way through at this stage.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Now, it’s time to create the creamy sauce! Lower the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir gently until the cream cheese has melted and mixed well with the broth, creating a creamy coating for the chicken.
5. Bake the Chicken:
After spooning some of the delicious creamy sauce over the chicken breasts, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s fully cooked while keeping it juicy and tender!
6. Rest and Garnish:
Once done, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. If you’d like, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch of color and flavor!
7. Serve:
Serve the creamy chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your easy and delicious dinner!
This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is not just easy to make, but it’s also full of flavor—perfect for gathering around the dinner table with family!
FAQ for Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method to speed things up. Pat it dry with paper towels to help it brown nicely in the skillet.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and the creamy sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just combine and bake when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s cold from the refrigerator.
What if I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No problem! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water, though the flavor may be a bit milder. For added richness, try using vegetable broth or white wine instead for an extra boost of flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy it over rice, pasta, or in a wrap for a quick lunch!
