Let’s make a creamy delight of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, a wonderfully smooth and rich dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. With its tender chicken coated in a velvety cream cheese sauce subtly spiced with Italian herbs, this recipe promises a delectable experience that will keep you coming back for more. Simple ingredients, easy preparation, and unforgettable flavour make this dish a must-try!

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts

Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (1 block of Philadelphia or any other brand), softened.
• Chicken Breasts: 2 large pieces, which will be halved to make 4 thinner slices.
• Seasonings:
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
• Butter: 1 tablespoon, preferred unsalted so you can control the salt level.
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, which helps to prevent the butter from burning and adds an additional flavor profile.
• Onion: 1/2 medium-sized, finely chopped for even cooking.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, freshly minced for a bold flavor.
• Chicken Broth: 3/4 cup, used to create the base of the sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon, a blend of commonly used herbs in Italian cuisine such as basil, oregano, and rosemary.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, for a hint of heat; adjust according to your preferences.
• Parsley: Fresh, chopped, optional for garnish and a fresh pop of color.

Instructions

1. Preparation of the Cream Cheese:

Firstly, if the cream cheese is straight from the fridge, it’s often too stiff to work with immediately. To soften it, microwave the 8 ounces of cream cheese for 15-20 seconds at a time until it reaches a very soft consistency. Once softened, cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces and set aside. These smaller pieces will melt more easily into the sauce later.

2. Preparing the Chicken:

Take the 2 large chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut each one in half lengthwise. This will yield 4 thinner pieces, which will cook more evenly and quickly. Season both sides of the chicken pieces with the 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.

3. Cooking the Chicken:

In a large skillet, combine the 1 tablespoon of butter with the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. The olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning while adding flavor. Once the fat is hot and has coated the bottom of the pan, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for approximately 5-6 minutes per side. They should reach a golden-brown color and be cooked through completely, reaching an internal temperature of 165F (74C). Once done, transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

4. Sautéing the Onion:

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped 1/2 medium onion to the pan. Sauté the onion for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it becomes soft and lightly browned. This will add a depth of flavor to your sauce.

5. Adding Garlic and Liquids:

Add the freshly minced garlic to the pan with the onions. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Make sure not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter. Next, pour in the 3/4 cup of chicken broth. Add the softened cream cheese pieces, 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth. This might take a few minutes.

6. Finishing the Dish:

Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through for a couple of minutes. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it by adding an additional splash (or more) of chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. For a fresh pop of color and an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish, if desired.

7. Serving:

Serve the creamy garlic chicken breasts immediately while hot. This dish pairs well with a variety of sides such as steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the rich sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts!

Tips

• Cream Cheese: It can take a few minutes for cream cheese to melt into the sauce, so keep stirring it and ensure that it’s super soft before adding it into the skillet. The sauce is meant to be fairly thick, but you can easily thin it out as needed by adding some more chicken broth or water.
• Chicken: We cut the chicken in half lengthwise so it cooks faster and remains more tender, but feel free to use whole chicken breasts, particularly if they’re quite small. Just be mindful they’re fully cooked (165F) prior to adding them back into the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• Pairings: The thick sauce is great over a pile of Mashed Potatoes or rice. Pasta, steamed vegetables, or a side salad are also delicious options.

Leftovers and Storage

• Store leftover cream cheese chicken for 3-4 days in the fridge in a covered container.
• Reheat slowly over a low heat in a saucepan until warmed through.
• Freezing is not recommended as it may change the texture of the sauce.

Enjoy your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken!