If you’re on the hunt for a comfort meal that’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in under 30 minutes, this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. I absolutely love how tender the chicken gets thanks to the luscious cream cheese sauce — it’s like dinner and a hug all rolled into one. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step so you can nail it easily at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: You can have this creamy chicken dinner on the table in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich & Comforting Sauce: The cream cheese creates a velvety sauce that keeps the chicken tender and full of flavor.
- Minimal Ingredients: It uses simple pantry staples that you likely already have, making meal prep a breeze.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish — it’s always requested again and again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe keeps things simple but flavorful by using ingredients that blend beautifully. When I shop for this, I always pick fresh garlic and a good-quality cream cheese to make sure the sauce stays super creamy and luscious.
- Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened cream cheese for that ultra-creamy texture in the sauce.
- Chicken Breasts: Cutting them thin helps them cook evenly and stay juicy.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor that’s not overpowering.
- Butter & Olive Oil: The combo gives a nice balance between flavor and a high smoke point for searing the chicken.
- Onion: Sweetens the sauce and adds depth when sautéed until golden.
- Fresh Garlic: Stirred in at the end for that punch of fresh aroma and taste.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the sauce saucy and helps melt the cream cheese without burning.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings in a nice herbal touch that pairs perfectly with chicken.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Give a gentle kick — feel free to adjust based on your heat preference.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness when sprinkled at the end.
Variations
I love customizing this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. It’s super flexible and you can tweak it to fit your taste or diet.
- Make it Kickier: I sometimes add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if we want bolder spice.
- Greens Boost: Stir in some spinach or kale just before adding chicken back for a healthy twist.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese to cater to dietary needs, though texture will slightly vary.
- Mushrooms or Bell Peppers: Sautéed veggies can bulk up the dish and add extra flavor and color.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Get That Cream Cheese Ready
Start by softening your cream cheese — I usually microwave it for about 20-30 seconds until it’s nice and spreadable. This little trick helps it melt evenly later, making your sauce silky smooth without lumps.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken
Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally so you end up with thinner pieces that cook faster and more evenly. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Trust me, this little seasoning bump makes a big flavor difference!
Step 3: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat butter and olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat, then lay the chicken pieces in carefully so they don’t crowd the pan. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden and cooked through (I always check they reach 165°F for safety). Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate — don’t worry, we’ll return it to soak in all that saucy goodness later.
Step 4: Build the Flavor Base with Onions and Garlic
Reduce heat to medium, toss in the chopped onion, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and browns lightly — this step adds a tasty caramelized sweetness to the sauce. Then add minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant, but don’t let it burn!
Step 5: Make That Creamy Sauce Magic
Pour in chicken broth, then stir in the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep stirring gently over medium heat while the cream cheese melts and blends into the broth — it takes a few minutes, but patience here leads to that irresistible creamy sauce you’re aiming for. If it seems too thick, add a splash more broth to loosen it up.
Step 6: Bring it All Together
Return the chicken to the skillet and let it warm through in the sauce for a minute or two, spooning the sauce over the top to coat it beautifully. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then sprinkle fresh parsley on top if you have it. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Softening Cream Cheese: Microwaving in short bursts avoids overheating and helps it incorporate smoothly into your sauce without lumps.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Cooking chicken in batches keeps the pan hot so you get a nice golden sear instead of steaming it.
- Taste as You Go: Cream cheese can mellow seasonings, so adjust salt and pepper at the end to perfectly suit your palate.
- Avoiding Burnt Garlic: Add minced garlic after onions have softened to prevent bitterness and ensure that fresh garlicky aroma.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley — it adds a pop of color and bright flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Sometimes I toss on a little extra cracked black pepper or even some lemon zest for a fresh zing.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed green beans, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. My family also loves spooning the sauce over fluffy rice or buttered noodles to soak up every delicious drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve plated this cream cheese chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside roasted asparagus bundles tied with fresh herbs. Adding a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a squeeze of lemon on top brings it all together for a restaurant-quality look and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet tightly covered in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually keeps well for 3-4 days. The sauce thickens after chilling, so you may want to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing
While I usually don’t freeze this dish because the cream cheese sauce changes texture a bit, if you want to, freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible. I’ve found freezing together can make the sauce a little grainy after thawing, but it’s still tasty if you reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers slowly in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce as needed. This helps maintain the velvety texture without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicy, but they may take a few minutes longer to cook through. Just adjust the cooking time and make sure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
Greek yogurt or mascarpone can work as substitutes but will change the sauce texture and flavor slightly. If using Greek yogurt, add it at the end of cooking over low heat to avoid curdling.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s safe for gluten-sensitive diets. Just double-check your chicken broth brand to be sure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten.
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Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat?
You can prepare the sauce ahead and store it separately from the cooked chicken, then combine and reheat gently before serving. This helps preserve the sauce’s creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
When I first tried this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so indulgent and satisfying. It’s my go-to when I want a homemade meal that feels special but doesn’t keep me tethered to the kitchen forever. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — it’s one of those dishes where a few pantry staples turn into a rich, cozy dinner that everyone asks for again. So grab your skillet, get that cream cheese melting, and treat yourself to a little comfort tonight!
Print
Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce made from cream cheese, garlic, and Italian seasonings. It’s a quick and satisfying stovetop meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering a smooth, rich sauce that perfectly complements the savory chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Sauce and Cooking
- 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Soften the cream cheese: Microwave the cream cheese until very soft. Cut it into smaller pieces and set aside until needed to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Prepare the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to make four thinner pieces. Season both sides with garlic powder, salt, and pepper for flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the onions: Lower the heat to medium and add chopped onions to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned, which develops sweetness and depth.
- Add garlic and deglaze: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all flavorful bits.
- Make the cream cheese sauce: Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, which may take a few minutes.
- Reheat chicken and finalize: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them, and warm through for a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more chicken broth to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before slicing if preferred.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce; low-fat versions may alter texture.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables in the sauce.
- Check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooking.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
