Name: Cream Cheese Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 2 tbsp olive oil or butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Cream cheese chicken is a rich, creamy, and comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor and effortless to make. Tender chicken is smothered in a smooth, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and herbs, creating a meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly. I love making this recipe when I want something cozy and satisfying that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it takes simple ingredients and turns them into something luxurious. The cream cheese melts into a silky sauce that coats every bite of chicken, and the garlic and herbs bring the perfect balance of flavor. It’s easy to make, family-friendly, and versatile — I can dress it up for a dinner party or serve it as a quick weeknight meal. Cream Cheese Chicken

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Salt and black pepper
Garlic powder
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Cream cheese, softened
Chicken broth
Heavy cream or milk
Parmesan cheese, grated
Italian seasoning or dried herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Season and cook the chicken: I season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden and cooked through. I transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
Make the sauce: In the same pan, I reduce the heat and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then I stir in the chicken broth and cream cheese, whisking until smooth and creamy.
Add the cream and cheese: I pour in the heavy cream (or milk) and add Parmesan cheese and herbs, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
Combine: I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve: I garnish with fresh parsley and serve it warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so the total time is approximately 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture. For a spicy twist, I mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. I’ve also used flavored cream cheese, like garlic and herb or chive, to change things up. For a lighter version, I swap the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too — I just stir halfway through to keep the sauce smooth. Cream Cheese Chicken

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, I’ve used shredded rotisserie chicken for this recipe. I just make the sauce, then stir in the cooked chicken and heat it through.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes, I often use milk or half-and-half instead. The sauce will be a bit lighter but still creamy and delicious.

What pasta works best with this dish?

I like pairing it with fettuccine, penne, or egg noodles — anything that holds onto the sauce.

Can I bake this recipe instead?

Yes! I place seared chicken in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep or make-ahead dinners.

Conclusion

Cream cheese chicken is one of my favorite comfort meals — rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. I love how the creamy sauce wraps around the tender chicken and how it feels indulgent without being complicated. Whether I serve it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this dish always hits the spot.