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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Featured in Simple and Satisfying Meals.

Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This easy cream cheese chicken recipe is your answer. Tender chicken strips are seared until golden, then combined with sautéed mushrooms and onions in a rich, creamy sauce. The cream cheese melts into a smooth coating while melted mozzarella adds an extra layer of cheesy goodness. Served over rice and ready in just 30 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights. The sauce is made from simple ingredients you likely have on hand, and the dish can be customized with different cheeses or served over various bases like quinoa or mashed potatoes. Plus, it reheats beautifully for leftovers.
sana kitchen chef
Updated on Tue, 11 Feb 2025 20:29:57 GMT
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Cream Cheese Chicken Pin it
Cream Cheese Chicken | recipebyme.com

Cream cheese chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an indulgent masterpiece that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. The velvety cream cheese sauce, enriched with garlic and fresh herbs, coats each piece of perfectly cooked chicken, creating a restaurant-worthy dish right in your kitchen. This recipe has become my go-to choice when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

I discovered this recipe during a rainy Sunday afternoon, and it has since become my family's most requested meal. The way the cream cheese melts into a silky sauce never fails to bring smiles to their faces.

Essential Ingredients Guide

  • Chicken breasts: Choose pieces of similar size for even cooking. Look for breasts that feel firm and have a pink, not gray, appearance.
  • Cream cheese: Full-fat Philadelphia-style cream cheese creates the smoothest, most luxurious sauce. Let it soften at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Fresh garlic: Select firm bulbs with tight, papery skin. Fresh garlic provides a depth of flavor that powder simply cannot match.

Creating Your Masterpiece

Preparation:
Bring ingredients to room temperature and pat chicken dry.
Pan Searing:
Heat oil until shimmering, then carefully lay seasoned chicken in the pan.
Sauce Creation:
Blend softened cream cheese with sautéed garlic and herbs.
Final Simmer:
Return chicken to pan, letting it bathe in the creamy sauce.
Finishing Touch:
Garnish with fresh herbs and check internal temperature.
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Pin it
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken | recipebyme.com

Growing up, my grandmother always said cream cheese was her secret weapon in the kitchen. After perfecting this recipe, I understand why—it adds an unmatched richness that transforms simple ingredients into something special.

Perfect Temperature Control

The key to perfectly cooked chicken lies in maintaining consistent heat throughout the cooking process. Starting with room-temperature ingredients helps achieve even cooking. A gentle simmer prevents the cream cheese sauce from breaking while ensuring the chicken stays juicy.

Flavor Enhancement Techniques

Consider adding white wine to deglaze the pan after searing the chicken. This step releases the flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom, incorporating them into your sauce. Fresh herbs like thyme or tarragon can be added at different stages for layered flavor development.

Plating and Presentation

Spooning the sauce over bright green vegetables creates an appealing color contrast on the plate. A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds both color and aroma. Consider warming your plates to keep the sauce at the perfect consistency.

Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh

Proper storage ensures this dish remains just as delicious the next day. Transfer to a glass container while still warm, letting steam escape before sealing. The sauce will naturally thicken in the refrigerator but easily loosens when gently reheated.

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Close-up Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe | recipebyme.com

After years of experimenting with different chicken recipes, this cream cheese version stands out for its reliability and incredible flavor. The combination of tender chicken and rich sauce creates a meal that feels special enough for company yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cream cheese chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead and store in the fridge for 4-5 days. Reheat in the microwave, cutting chicken into smaller pieces for even heating.
→ What can I serve with cream cheese chicken?
Serve over rice, quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Add sides like steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables.
→ Can I skip the mushrooms in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe works great even without mushrooms. You can omit them completely or replace with another vegetable.
→ What type of cream cheese should I use?
Regular or reduced-fat cream cheese works well, but avoid fat-free versions as they won't give the same creamy texture.
→ How do I know when the chicken is done?
Cook until chicken reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer, or about 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

This easy cream cheese chicken recipe combines tender chicken strips with mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Easy Dinner Ideas

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 1 small onion, chopped
03 8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
04 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in strips
06 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
07 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
08 4 oz regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
09 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
10 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

→ For Serving

11 Steamed brown or white rice
12 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 01

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil.

Step 02

Add onions and mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 03

Meanwhile, slice the chicken into strips and season with the salt and pepper.

Step 04

Increase the heat to medium high, then add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan. Sear for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken strips are golden brown.

Step 05

Add the cream cheese and chicken broth and stir until the cream cheese is melted and well incorporated. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the entire pan, then cover, reduce heat and cook another 2-3 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through (it should reach 165°F if using a meat thermometer). Season to taste with extra salt and pepper.

Step 06

Serve the chicken and mushrooms over steamed rice, with parsley if desired.

Notes

  1. You can skip mushrooms if you don't have them or don't like them - the dish will still be delicious
  2. 1/3-less fat cream cheese works great, but avoid fat-free cream cheese
  3. Water can be substituted for chicken broth if needed
  4. Try grated Parmesan instead of mozzarella for variation
  5. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 4-5 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet with lid
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, mozzarella)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 436
  • Total Fat: 19 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 7 g
  • Protein: 57 g