Are you on the lookout for a delicious and hassle-free meal? Look no further than Easy Cream Cheese Chicken! This delightful dish combines tender chicken with creamy cheese, creating a savory experience that everyone will love. Moreover, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.
In addition to being quick to prepare, this recipe is versatile and can easily be customized to suit your taste. From adding vibrant vegetables to experimenting with flavorful spices, the options are endless. So, if you’re ready to elevate your dinner game, let’s dive into the world of creamy chicken goodness!
Ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken:
To create this delectable Easy Cream Cheese Chicken dish, gather the following ingredients for a flavorful experience:
– 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
– ¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
– ¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For serving, pair this dish with steamed brown or white rice and optionally sprinkle with 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
This creamy chicken dish is not only indulgent but also quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. For a delightful side dish, explore our One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, which complements your main course beautifully. Enjoy the balance of flavors and textures in this warming recipe!
How to prepare:
For a delightful meal, start by heating 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small chopped onion and sauté until softened. Introduce 8 oz. of sliced white button mushrooms, cooking until they become tender and slightly browned. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for about a minute to release their aroma.
Now, it’s time to incorporate the chicken strips. Use 1 ½ lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breast, seasoning with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Then, lower the heat and mix in 4 oz. of cream cheese and ¼ cup of low-sodium chicken broth. Stir until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
Finally, sprinkle in ¼ to ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt completely. Serve your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken over steamed brown or white rice and garnish with 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley for an extra touch. This dish pairs perfectly with a side of One-Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a full-weeknight feast!
Cooking Methods :
Creating delicious Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a straightforward process that yields tender, flavorful results. You can either bake or slow cook this dish, depending on your time constraints and preferences.
For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish, top them with cream cheese, and maybe some herbs or spices for added flavor. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cream cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
Alternatively, the slow cooker method offers convenience. Simply add the chicken, cream cheese, and your choice of seasonings to the crockpot. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, letting the flavors meld beautifully. This method beautifully enhances the dish’s richness.
For more inspiration, check out this link for additional tips. You might also enjoy pairing your cream cheese chicken with comforting sides like One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta to elevate a simple meal. Remember, the possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken:
For a delightful meal, consider serving your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken alongside a fresh garden salad. The crispness of fresh greens balances the creamy richness of the dish. You could also pair this chicken with buttery mashed potatoes or rice to soak up the luscious sauce. If you’re looking for something heartier, try it with baked mac and cheese as a comforting side that blends perfectly with the chicken’s flavors.
For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or roasted asparagus provide a nice contrast. Moreover, don’t forget about bread! A warm, crusty baguette or homemade bread can be perfect for mopping up extra sauce. For a quick meal, you might serve it on a bed of pasta, making a fulfilling dinner that your family will love. Each of these options enhances your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken experience, creating a well-rounded meal.
Variations on Easy Cream Cheese Chicken:
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken serves as a versatile base for numerous delicious variations. For a zesty twist, consider adding jalapeños and cheese, reminiscent of the flavor-packed Jalapeno Cheese Crisps. You can also incorporate vibrant vegetables into your dish. Toss in bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for added color and nutrition. Additionally, try infusing the dish with your favorite herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to elevate the flavor profile further.
For an easy spin, transform this dish into a creamy one-pot meal. Simply combine it with pasta—similar to the One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta recipe—which enhances its creamy texture while making dinner even more hearty. Finally, don’t hesitate to explore creative toppings. A sprinkle of crispy bacon or breadcrumbs can add a delightful crunch, complementing the rich creaminess of Easy Cream Cheese Chicken beautifully. Enjoy experimenting to find your favorite version!
Storage tips for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken:
To keep your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish can last for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken in individual portions. When ready to eat, simply reheat and serve alongside a side like baked mac and cheese for a delightful meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What ingredients do I need for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
To prepare this delightful dish, you’ll need boneless chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Incorporating simple ingredients allows you to create a flavorful meal effortlessly.
How long does it take to cook Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
This scrumptious chicken recipe typically takes around 30 to 40 minutes. Most of the time is spent cooking the chicken thoroughly, while the creamy sauce develops a rich flavor to enhance your dish.
Can I add vegetables to Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
Absolutely! You can incorporate vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Not only will this add color, but it will also boost the nutritional value, making it an even healthier meal option.
How can I serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken?
This creamy chicken can be served alongside pasta, rice, or even a fresh salad. Alternatively, accompany it with crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Is Easy Cream Cheese Chicken suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Simply store the cooked chicken and sauce in airtight containers, and you can enjoy it throughout the week, just like my Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup.
Can I make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the cream cheese sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just cook the chicken fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture and taste.
Print
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken: Flavorful Comfort in No Time
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken strips are sautéed with onions and mushrooms, then combined with cream cheese for a delightful sauce.
Ingredients
2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion chopped
8 oz. white button mushrooms sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
1 ½ lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast cut in strips
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Steamed brown or white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, cooking until the mushrooms are tender.
- Add the chicken strips to the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, stirring gently.
- Serve the cream cheese chicken over steamed rice and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding some herbs or spices to the chicken while cooking. This dish pairs well with a fresh side salad.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
Keywords: Easy Cream Cheese Chicken, chicken recipe, creamy chicken, quick dinner, weeknight meals