If you’re searching for a comforting, creamy dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together effortlessly, you’re going to adore this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe. Juicy chicken breasts bathed in a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce make for a dish that’s both satisfying and packed with flavor. It perfectly balances rich, savory notes with a touch of herbaceous brightness, making every bite an absolute delight. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a casual weekend treat, this recipe is about to become your new go-to for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple but essential to creating the rich texture and vibrant flavor of the dish. Each one brings its own magic, from the tender chicken breasts to the creamy blend of cheeses and fragrant herbs, ensuring a harmonious skillet meal.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein base that stays juicy and tender when cooked right.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps with searing the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Boosts richness and helps create a silky sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a wonderful aromatic depth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a savory foundation for the cream sauce.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: The star ingredient for that irresistibly creamy texture and tangy taste.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a salty, nutty kick that elevates the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Brings a fragrant herbal note that lightens the richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heating the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat ensures a perfect sear, locking in all the juices. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown and cooked through. This step builds a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Remove the chicken and set it aside momentarily. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for roughly 30 seconds. This quick sauté releases the garlic’s wonderful aroma without letting it burn, which keeps the flavor fresh and bright.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer while scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those delicious browned bits. Reducing the heat to low, stir in the softened cream cheese, stirring diligently until the sauce is smooth and luscious. Then, add in the Parmesan cheese, onion powder, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the sauce is rich and well blended.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Spoon the sauce over the top to coat each piece beautifully. Let everything simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, warming the chicken and allowing flavors to meld. This final step makes the dish decadently comforting and ready to serve.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the sauce. A little cracked black pepper over the top also enhances the flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe truly shines when paired with sides that soak up all its creamy goodness. Think fluffy mashed potatoes, a bed of fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta. For a fresh contrast, steamed or sautéed green veggies like asparagus or broccoli make beautiful companions to this indulgent main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chicken on a bed of sautéed spinach or mushrooms right in the skillet for a one-pan meal that looks rustic and inviting. You could also spoon the creamy sauce over toasted baguette slices as an appetizer or elegant brunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so give it a gentle stir when reheating to bring back that creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Place the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, keeping it separate from starch sides to maintain quality. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave at medium power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce becomes too thick, ensuring it stays luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese that is not softened?
Softened cream cheese is best because it melts smoothly into the sauce. If you use cold cream cheese, it might clump and not incorporate evenly, resulting in a less creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for low-carb diets?
Absolutely! The Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for anyone following low-carb or keto-friendly meal plans.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes can be added during the sauce-making step. Just sauté them when cooking the garlic for extra flavor and nutrition.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you don’t have Parmesan on hand, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives that provide a similar salty, nutty flavor. Just adjust the quantity to taste.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden on the outside and cooked through to the center, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). It’s juicy and tender with no pink in the middle when properly cooked.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe that makes it irresistible—rich flavors, a creamy sauce, and juicy chicken all in one skillet. It’s the kind of comforting dish that warms your soul without demanding hours in the kitchen. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy dinner classic. Happy cooking!
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Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and creamy skillet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a luscious sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and aromatic herbs. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a comforting and flavorful main course perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and butter. Allow the butter to melt and the mixture to become hot but not smoking.
- Sear the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on the outside and cooked through internally. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer while scraping any browned bits off the bottom of the skillet to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
- Make the cream sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese, onion powder, dried basil, and Italian seasoning. Stir until the sauce is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and fresh flavor, if desired. Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to enjoy the creamy sauce fully.
Notes
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For extra flavor and texture, add spinach or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter flavor.
- Ensure chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
