Name: Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Delicious!
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 cup chicken broth; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy schedules.
Rich and Creamy: The blend of cream cheese and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that complements the chicken beautifully.
Versatile: Pairs well with various sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Family-Friendly: Its mild yet flavorful profile appeals to both kids and adults.
Adaptable: Easily modified to suit low-carb or keto diets by pairing with appropriate sides.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
Sear Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and add the softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to slightly thicken. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Combine and Bake: Place the seared chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm alongside your preferred side dishes.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the sauce for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the seasoning for a subtle heat.
Vegetable Addition: Include sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the sauce to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
Low-Fat Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduce the amount of Parmesan to lighten the dish while maintaining its creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain the sauce’s consistency. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals until warmed through.
Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the cream cheese sauce may separate upon thawing, affecting the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They may require a slightly longer cooking time to reach the appropriate internal temperature.

2. How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing, and whisk continuously over medium heat to achieve a smooth sauce. Avoid overheating, which can cause curdling.

3. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Yes, the dish itself is low in carbohydrates. Pair it with low-carb sides like cauliflower rice or steamed non-starchy vegetables to maintain a low-carb meal.

4. Can I add other cheeses to the sauce?

Certainly! Incorporating cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère can add different flavor profiles and enhance creaminess.

5. What sides pair well with this dish?

This creamy chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

6. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can sear the chicken and prepare the sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to a day. When ready to serve, combine them in a baking dish and bake until the chicken is cooked through.

7. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

8. Can I substitute the chicken broth with something else?

Vegetable broth or a mixture of water and white wine can be used as substitutes, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.

9. Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Substituting dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast for Parmesan can create a dairy-free version, though the flavor and texture may differ.

10. What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken can be shredded and used as a filling for wraps or sandwiches, or tossed with pasta for a creamy chicken pasta dish.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe delivers a satisfying and comforting meal that’s both easy to prepare and rich in flavor. Its creamy sauce and