Some of the best meals are the ones that don't require a mile-long grocery list. This Cream Cheese Chicken is the ultimate "minimalist" dinner, relying on just a few high-impact ingredients to create a sauce so rich and velvety, you'll think it came from a professional kitchen. If you have a block of cream cheese and some chicken breasts, you are already 90% of the way to a decadent, melt-in-your-mouth meal that feels like a total luxury. It's simple, foolproof, and ready in a flash!
This philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes is the ultimate 30-minute weeknight dinner made with boneless skinless chicken breasts and a creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth. Whether you're making cream cheese chicken breast, cream cheese chicken bake, cream cheese chicken pasta, or cream cheese chicken thighs, this easy family-friendly chicken dinner delivers. The combination of Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce, pan-fried chicken with garlic and onion, and rich and tangy cream cheese sauce creates a one-pan skillet chicken meal. Perfect for philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes oven, cream cheese chicken recipes, and healthy philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes. Serve over rice pasta or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken
- Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken
- How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken
- My Top Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Cream Cheese Chicken
- Variations on Cream Cheese Chicken
- Equipment for Making Cream Cheese Chicken
- Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken
- Adam's Tip for Cream Cheese Chicken
- FAQ About Cream Cheese Chicken
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken
- Ready in 30 minutes. From prep to plate, this one-pan skillet chicken comes together fast, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home. The rich and tangy cream cheese sauce tastes like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant, but it's made with simple ingredients.
- Versatile and customizable. Serve over rice pasta or mashed potatoes, or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own.
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken
This simple ingredient list creates a restaurant-quality 30-minute weeknight dinner.
What You'll Need
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ to 2 pounds)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (Philadelphia brand works best), softened and cubed
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup frozen peas
Why These Ingredients Matter
Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and evenly. They're perfect for this pan-fried chicken with garlic and onion method and absorb all the flavors of the Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce.
Cream cheese creates the ultimate silky sauce. Philadelphia cream cheese melts beautifully into the creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth, creating that rich and tangy flavor.
Italian seasoning and garlic add depth. These simple seasonings transform the cream cheese sauce into something special, perfect for this easy family-friendly chicken dinner.
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the chicken. Pat the boneless skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms (if using) and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and the mushrooms are tender.
- Make the cream cheese sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the chicken broth to the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it starts to melt into the broth.
- Add the cream and seasonings. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth is smooth and well combined.
- Finish the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the rich and tangy cream cheese sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add optional greens (if using). If you're adding spinach or kale, stir it into the sauce now and let it wilt for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
- Enjoy! This one-pan skillet chicken is best served immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
Quick Tip: For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce after adding the chicken broth.
My Top Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
- Soften the cream cheese first. Let the Philadelphia cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or microwave it for 15 seconds to make it easier to melt into the sauce.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then remove it from the skillet immediately to keep it juicy.
- Scrape up the browned bits. Those flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan after searing the chicken add incredible depth to the Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce.
- Make it ahead. You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook for an even faster 30-minute weeknight dinner.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this recipe, Adam watched me add the cream cheese to the skillet and said, "Are we really putting cream cheese in chicken sauce?" I laughed and told him to wait and see. As the sauce came together, getting thicker and creamier, he leaned in closer. "Okay, that actually looks really good."
When we sat down to eat, he cut into his chicken and took a big bite with some of the sauce. "Mom, this is SO creamy! The sauce is like... fancy restaurant sauce. And the chicken is really juicy. Can we have this again soon?" I told him absolutely. Grandma Viola nodded in agreement. "This is smart cooking. One pan, simple ingredients, but it tastes like you worked all day. The cream cheese makes the sauce rich and smooth. This is definitely a keeper."
If you love creamy dishes, try our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It's another family favorite.
Substitutions for Cream Cheese Chicken
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Use chicken thighs for cream cheese chicken thighs, or even pork chops work beautifully with this sauce.
- Cream cheese: If you don't have Philadelphia cream cheese, you can use Neufchâtel (lower fat cream cheese) or even mascarpone for an extra-rich sauce.
- Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won't be quite as thick.
- Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth or white wine for a different flavor profile in the creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth.
Variations on Cream Cheese Chicken
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese Chicken Recipes (Classic Skillet): Follow the recipe above for a classic pan-fried chicken with garlic and onion in a rich cream cheese sauce, perfect for philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes and cream cheese chicken recipes.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese Chicken Recipes Oven (Baked Version): Place seasoned chicken in a baking dish, top with cream cheese mixture, and bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes, ideal for cream cheese chicken bake and philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes oven.
- Cream Cheese Chicken Pasta: Toss the cooked chicken and sauce with cooked penne, fettuccine, or linguine for cream cheese chicken pasta and serve over rice pasta or mashed potatoes variations.
- Cream Cheese Chicken Thighs: Use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more flavorful version of cream cheese chicken thighs.
- Healthy Philadelphia Cream Cheese Chicken Recipes: Use low-fat cream cheese, replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt, and serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for healthy philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes.
If you're craving more quick dinners, check out our Firecracker Ground Chicken. It's another 30-minute winner.
Equipment for Making Cream Cheese Chicken
- Large skillet or sauté pan: A 12-inch skillet works best for this one-pan skillet chicken so everything fits comfortably.
- Meat thermometer: To ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking.
- Whisk or wooden spoon: For stirring the creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth.
- Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping the chicken, garlic, and onions.
Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. You can also microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the cream cheese sauce ahead of time and store it separately. Cook the chicken fresh when you're ready to serve for the best texture.
For more easy meals, try our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. Another great weeknight option.
Adam's Tip for Cream Cheese Chicken
"Make sure you get a big spoonful of that creamy sauce on every bite! And if you have any leftovers, the sauce is really good mixed with pasta the next day!"
FAQ About Cream Cheese Chicken
Are chicken and cream cheese good together?
Yes, chicken and cream cheese are an amazing combination! The rich and tangy cream cheese sauce pairs perfectly with tender boneless skinless chicken breasts, creating a creamy, savory dish that's both comforting and satisfying. The cream cheese melts into a smooth creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth that coats the chicken beautifully. This combination works especially well in philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes, cream cheese chicken bake, and cream cheese chicken pasta. The mild flavor of chicken allows the Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce to shine, making this an easy family-friendly chicken dinner that everyone loves.
Why do they call it "marry me chicken"?
"Marry me chicken" got its name from the legend that the dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! The original recipe features chicken in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce, but many variations use a rich and tangy cream cheese sauce similar to this one. The idea is that the creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth is so irresistible that anyone who tastes it would want to marry the person who made it. Whether you call it "marry me chicken" or cream cheese chicken breast, this 30-minute weeknight dinner delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home, perfect for philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes oven and one-pan skillet chicken variations.
How to make a creamy sauce with cream cheese for chicken?
To make a creamy sauce with cream cheese for chicken, start by pan-fried chicken with garlic and onion in a skillet, then remove the chicken and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and onions, then add chicken broth and cubed Philadelphia cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts, then add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce thickens slightly, creating a rich and tangy cream cheese sauce. Return the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. This easy technique works for cream cheese chicken recipes, cream cheese chicken pasta, and cream cheese chicken thighs. Serve over rice pasta or mashed potatoes for an easy family-friendly chicken dinner.
Can I use cream cheese to marinate chicken?
While you can technically use cream cheese in a marinade, it's not the most common method because cream cheese doesn't penetrate the meat like traditional liquid marinades. Instead, cream cheese works best as a coating or sauce for chicken. For philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes, it's better to season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with spices, sear them, and then make a creamy sauce with cream cheese and chicken broth to pour over the top. This method creates the best texture and allows the rich and tangy cream cheese sauce to shine. For cream cheese chicken bake and philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes oven, you can spread softened cream cheese mixture over the chicken before baking, which creates a delicious coating rather than a marinade.
For a Mexican-inspired variation, check out this Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
Who knew that a humble block of cream cheese could do so much heavy lifting? This easy cream cheese chicken recipe is proof that you don't need fancy techniques to get five-star results. If this simplified your dinner routine today, let me know by leaving a rating below! I'd love to hear what sides you paired it with, did you go for mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad?
If you try this philadelphia cream cheese chicken recipes, you'll see why it's become one of my most-requested weeknight dinners. Whether you're making the classic skillet version, trying cream cheese chicken bake in the oven, or going with cream cheese chicken pasta, this easy family-friendly chicken dinner delivers every time. The rich and tangy cream cheese sauce with Italian seasoning garlic cream sauce tastes like pure comfort. Make it for your next busy evening and enjoy this one-pan skillet chicken with your family. For more comforting options, try our Chicken Casserole. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Cream Cheese Chicken:
recipe
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan A 12-inch skillet works best so the sauce has room to simmer.
- Meat Thermometer Helps keep the chicken juicy and perfectly cooked.
- Wooden spoon or whisk For stirring the cream cheese sauce smoothly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 ½ to 2 pounds total
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely diced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced, optional
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden on both sides and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the top. Simmer briefly, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- I love serving this Cream Cheese Chicken over mashed potatoes or rice to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer darker meat. Just add a few extra minutes of cook time.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth.
- For a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Leave a Reply