Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for an effortlessly delicious meal that feels downright luxurious, look no further than this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe. Featuring tender chicken surrounded by a silky, savory sauce, this dish brings together simple pantry staples in a way that tastes like something destined for a fancy weekend feast. Whether you’re craving comfort food or impressing guests, this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is bound to become a cherished favorite at your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its balance of everyday ingredients, each chosen to amplify flavor, create dreamy texture, and add a burst of color. Every item in this recipe has a starring role, so let’s give them a little spotlight!

• Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean, juicy, and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the key to that luscious, velvety sauce – be sure to let it come to room temperature for extra smoothness.
• Chicken broth: A cup of broth adds depth and keeps everything irresistibly moist and savory.
• Garlic powder: Adds an aromatic punch without the effort of mincing cloves, perfect for busy nights!
• Onion powder: Brings a sweet, mild onion flavor that blends seamlessly into the cream sauce.
• Italian seasoning: This dried blend of herbs layers in classic, earthy Mediterranean notes.
• Olive oil: For a gorgeous sear on your chicken and subtle fruitiness in every bite.
• Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan offers a nutty, salty kick and helps thicken the dreamy sauce.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley brightens everything up with a pop of green and fresh flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring even baking later on. A light greasing of your baking dish keeps clean-up quick and guarantees none of that sumptuous sauce sticks behind!

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then generously season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This simple blend infuses every bite with aroma and taste, so don’t hold back.

Step 3: Sear for Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. This step locks in juices and delivers that gorgeous, golden color – a flavor-building secret!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, whisk together chicken broth and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth and starting to bubble gently, making sure to scrape up any browned bits left from the chicken.

Step 5: Stir in Parmesan and Adjust

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust with a touch more salt or pepper if needed – everyone’s tastebuds are unique!

Step 6: Assemble and Bake!

Nestle the seared chicken into your prepared baking dish, then pour the creamy, cheesy sauce right over top. Slide it all into the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temp of 165°F, and the sauce will be bubbling and aromatic.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

When your Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe emerges golden and fragrant, sprinkle with fresh parsley for extra brightness. Serve while hot and get ready for rave reviews!

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is the simplest way to finish, adding color and a clean herbal note to every plate. For a bit of zing, you can also scatter thinly sliced green onions or even a squeeze of lemon just before serving your Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe.

Side Dishes

This creamy dish pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered pasta, or steamed rice, all of which love to soak up extra sauce. If you want to keep it lighter, go for roasted veggies or a crisp green salad – the sauce doubles as a decadent dressing!

Creative Ways to Present

Impress your guests by slicing the chicken and arranging it over a bed of herbed grains, then drizzling the sauce on top. Or, serve the chicken family-style in the baking dish, letting folks spoon out their portions. Either way, the look (and taste) delivers on wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it chills, but that just makes it all the more delicious when reheated!

Freezing

Want to stash some away for future cravings? Cool the chicken completely, then wrap or transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave at 50% power in short bursts. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore its luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and tend to stay even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, as thighs may take a bit longer in the oven.

Is it possible to make this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe ahead?

You sure can. You can sear the chicken and prep the sauce up to a day in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready for dinner. This makes busy nights a total breeze!

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you forgot to set your cream cheese out, unwrap it and microwave in short 10-second bursts until soft but not melted. This makes the sauce blend together effortlessly.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely. Stir in spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli right before baking for a boost of color and nutrients. The sauce welcomes extra veggies with open arms!

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Don’t worry! You can make your own mix with a pinch each of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Even just one or two of those will add fantastic flavor.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe, you’ll see why it’s always on standby in my kitchen. It’s as cozy as it is elegant, and sure to win over anyone lucky enough to snag a plate. Gather your ingredients, follow the easy steps, and savor each creamy, savory bite – you’ll be hooked!

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