Cream Cheese Chicken is a dish that features chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s a flavorful and rich meal that’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to choice for busy home cooks. The dish delivers a comforting taste, with the cream cheese adding a smooth, velvety texture to the chicken. The dish can be prepared in a skillet, making it a quick and convenient dinner option. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste, adding garlic, onion, or even a bit of spice. It’s a versatile recipe that pairs well with a variety of side dishes, making it a perfect option for family meals.
Preparing Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick and efficient process. It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep the ingredients and cook the chicken breasts in a skillet. Once the chicken is browned, the creamy cheese sauce is made and cooked for another 10-15 minutes until it’s bubbling and golden. The total time is typically around 30 minutes, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
Using this recipe, the creamy texture of the cream cheese paired with the tender chicken makes each bite delightful. The cheese sauce coats the chicken perfectly, giving it a rich flavor. Adding red pepper flakes can provide a gentle heat that complements the creamy base, making the dish more dynamic. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless variations, whether you prefer a milder taste or more bold, spiced options. It’s an easy dish to tweak based on what you have on hand.
Why You’ll Love It Cream Cheese Chicken
- Creamy texture: This recipe offers a deliciously creamy texture that makes each bite irresistible. The cream cheese blends perfectly with the chicken, giving it a rich and smooth flavor that’s hard to beat.
- Quick and easy: The Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is simple to make, requiring minimal ingredients and prep time. You can enjoy a hearty, comforting meal with little effort, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Versatile and customizable: This dish is highly adaptable. You can add herbs, spices, or vegetables of your choice to suit your taste. Whether served with rice or salad, it’s easy to create a meal your family will love.
Ingredient Notes for a Cream Cheese Chicken
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the base of this dish. They cook quickly and stay tender when cooked properly. Use fresh chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese brings a creamy, tangy texture to the chicken. It melts beautifully and helps create a rich sauce. Choose full-fat cream cheese for the best results.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella adds a stretchy, gooey texture. It melts well, making the chicken even creamier. You can use part-skim mozzarella for a lighter option.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan enhances the dish with a nutty, salty flavor. It pairs perfectly with mozzarella and cream cheese, bringing depth to the sauce.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil helps cook the chicken, keeping it moist while adding a slight fruitiness. It also helps the seasonings stick to the chicken during cooking.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder gives the chicken a savory, aromatic flavor. It’s an easy way to add garlic without the hassle of peeling and chopping fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder provides a mild, sweet onion flavor without the texture of chopped onions. It’s an essential ingredient for seasoning the chicken.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These basic seasonings bring out the flavors of all the ingredients. Adjust the amount to taste, but don’t skip them—they’re essential for balance.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a mild, herbaceous flavor. It’s used as a garnish and adds a fresh finish to the creamy chicken.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes add a slight kick of heat. Adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your dishes. It balances the richness of the cream cheese sauce.
Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch
When making Cream Cheese Chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender results. This dish pairs well with a variety of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of paprika for extra flavor. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
For a richer taste, you can add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the cream cheese mixture. These herbs will give your dish an extra layer of flavour, making it more aromatic. You can also mix in some grated cheese for a creamy texture that will melt beautifully with the chicken.
Consider pairing Cream Cheese Chicken with simple sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. The creaminess of the dish complements these sides perfectly. Add a salad on the side for a balanced meal, or opt for a rice dish to soak up any extra sauce.
Cream Cheese Chicken Variations
While Cream Cheese Chicken is already tasty on its own, there are several variations you can try to change things up:
- Add vegetables: Mix in some spinach or mushrooms with the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and texture.
- Spicy version: For a kick, add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
- Herb-infused: You can include fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary in the cream cheese mixture for a more aromatic dish.
- Stuffed version: You can stuff the chicken with the cream cheese mixture for an even richer, more indulgent meal.
How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken
Cream Cheese Chicken can be served in many ways, depending on your preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Over rice: Serve the creamy chicken over a bed of white or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With vegetables: Pair the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a healthy, well-rounded meal.
- With mashed potatoes: For a comforting side, mashed potatoes complement the creamy chicken beautifully.
- In a wrap: Use a tortilla to create a creamy chicken wrap for a quick lunch option.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers, don’t worry! Cream Cheese Chicken stores well in the fridge and can be enjoyed later.
- Refrigeration: Place the chicken in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze Cream Cheese Chicken for up to 2-3 months. Simply place the chicken in a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken
Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Cream Cheese Chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat it thoroughly before serving for the best taste.
What can I serve with Cream Cheese Chicken?
Cream Cheese Chicken pairs well with a variety of sides, including steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Rice and pasta are also great options to soak up the creamy sauce.
Is Cream Cheese Chicken suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, Cream Cheese Chicken can be part of a low-carb diet if served with low-carb sides, like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Avoid starchy sides like bread or pasta.
Can I make Cream Cheese Chicken with other types of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with other soft cheeses like ricotta or mascarpone. However, cream cheese gives the dish its signature creamy texture and mild flavor.
Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Your Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) for baking, or heat a pan over medium-high heat if you prefer pan-searing.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Then, transfer them to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Continue cooking the chicken breasts in the same pan for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Make the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan or oven. Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture over each piece of chicken.
- Melt the Cheese: If using the oven, return the chicken to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes to melt the cheese. If pan-searing, simply cover the pan and cook for a few minutes on low heat until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added freshness. Serve with your favourite side dishes, like mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables.
