If you’re in search of a weeknight dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and incredibly simple, you have to try Easy Cream Cheese Chicken. It’s one of those meals that never fails to please everyone at the table, with juicy chicken breasts baked in a lush cream cheese sauce that’s rich and satisfying without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re new to making chicken dinners or just need something fuss-free that delivers big flavor, this dish combines pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients into something truly irresistible.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of ingredients—each with its own purpose—comes together to create a dish with such a velvety sauce and mouthwatering chicken. Every element brings something to the party, from flavor to texture, ensuring your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken tastes as impressive as it looks.

Chicken Breasts: These are the perfect canvas for soaking up all the creamy, cheesy goodness—be sure to pound them to an even thickness for best results.
Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened): The star ingredient, providing the luscious, tangy sauce that envelopes every bite.
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and depth to the sauce, helping it stay silky but not too heavy.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): A simple way to infuse warm, savory garlic notes without chopping a thing.
Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): This boosts that classic, hearty flavor and brings balance to the dish.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): It doesn’t just add color—it offers a subtle hint of sweetness and smokiness.
Salt and Pepper: Start light and adjust to taste—these basics make every other flavor shine.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Ensures the chicken sears perfectly golden and doesn’t stick in the pan.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a lovely, savory finish when sprinkled on top.
Fresh Parsley, chopped: The bright green pops of color make each serving feel extra special and fresh.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, lay your chicken breasts out and season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This quick seasoning step helps each bite taste flavorful and well-rounded all the way through.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Pour the olive oil into a large oven-safe skillet and heat it over medium-high until shimmering. Gently add the seasoned chicken breasts and let them sear on each side for 3–4 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color—this not only adds flavor but locks in the juiciness before the chicken finishes cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and chicken broth. Use a fork or whisk to mix until completely smooth and lump-free. This might take a minute if your cream cheese is still a little firm, but just keep stirring—you want it pourable and creamy.

Step 4: Combine and Bake

With the chicken still in the skillet, pour your silky cream cheese mixture evenly over the top, making sure it drapes every piece. If you love a cheesy finish, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on now. Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes. The sauce will bubble and thicken, and the chicken will finish cooking through—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, give your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken a final flourish with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the fresh herb flavor cuts through the richness for that perfect finish.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is always a winner, but you can also shower your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with extra Parmesan or finely sliced chives for an extra burst of flavor and a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken begs to be paired with something that’ll soak up all that luscious sauce. Fluffy white rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a simple bowl of hot pasta each makes a wonderful partner. For lighter fare, serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or even a crisp garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, slice the chicken and layer it over toasted baguette slices as a hearty appetizer, or serve the chicken and sauce spooned onto individual ramekins of creamy polenta. Leftover sauce even makes a delicious stir-in for pasta the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Easy Cream Cheese Chicken (lucky you!), store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The cream cheese sauce stays surprisingly silky and keeps its flavor for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Want to meal prep ahead? Let the chicken cool and spoon it, along with the sauce, into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture retention.

Reheating

For best results, gently reheat Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if the sauce seems too thick. The microwave works too—just use a lower setting and stir every minute for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and become even more tender. Just make sure to adjust bake time as thighs may cook a bit faster than breasts.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: your chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the center to ensure there’s no pink left.

What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or even a touch of sharp cheddar are great substitutes for Parmesan if you want a slightly different cheesy finish—or simply leave it out if you’d rather go lighter.

Can I make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken dairy-free?

Try swapping in a plant-based cream cheese and skipping or replacing the Parmesan with nutritional yeast—just check sauce thickness as different brands vary in texture.

Should I cover the skillet when baking?

No need! Baking uncovered allows the sauce to bubble up and thicken in all the right ways, and gives the top a bit of golden color, especially if you added Parmesan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s as easy as it is comforting, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is the way to go. It’s a dish I come back to again and again, and I know once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your regular rotation too. Give it a try—you just might find a new family favorite!

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a simple and delicious dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, seared, then baked in a creamy and flavorful cream cheese sauce. Serve with your favorite sides for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Cream Cheese Sauce:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Garnish:

Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sear Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Prepare Cream Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth. Pour the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken in the skillet. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top if using.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
For a thicker sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or heavy cream before baking.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop and Baking
Cuisine: American