Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a rich and creamy sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this skillet dish is flavorful, comforting, and garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat to prepare for searing the chicken.
- Season and sear chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Sear the chicken in the skillet for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the cream cheese: Reduce the heat to low, add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, and stir continuously until it begins to melt smoothly.
- Create the sauce: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth to the melted cream cheese to form a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Cook the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly, stirring frequently.
- Return chicken and simmer: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the sauce over them. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to help it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone for a slightly different flavor and creaminess.
- Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
