Description
An easy and creamy chicken recipe featuring tender boneless chicken breasts cooked in a rich cream cheese sauce with garlic, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting, family-friendly dish is perfect for busy weeknights and adaptable for various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 ounces cream cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper to ensure flavorful, well-seasoned meat.
- Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to keep warm.
- Make the Cream Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant but not browned. Add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese melts into a silky sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the chicken to the skillet and coat each piece evenly with the cream cheese sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes to absorb the flavors and give it a luscious finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer to plates, garnish as desired (such as extra parsley or basil), and enjoy your homemade Easy Cream Cheese Chicken hot and fresh from the pan.
Notes
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for juicier results.
- Use a meat thermometer to cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to avoid dryness.
- Full-fat cream cheese melts better and creates a richer sauce than low-fat alternatives.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth after searing the chicken to incorporate browned bits for added flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Optional Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: cream cheese chicken, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, creamy chicken, weeknight dinner, gluten free