This quick and easy cream cheese chicken recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, featuring tender chicken strips coated in a deliciously creamy sauce made from cream cheese, chicken broth, and a few simple seasonings. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both comforting and quick to prepare!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few pantry staples like cream cheese, chicken broth, and mushrooms, it’s both affordable and satisfying.
- Comfort Food: The creamy sauce and tender chicken are incredibly comforting and delicious.
- Versatile: It pairs beautifully with rice, quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes, and it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
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 breasts, 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:
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Sauté Vegetables
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Chicken
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Prepare the Sauce
- Add cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve
- Serve the creamy chicken over steamed rice, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
What to Serve with Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or peas would make a great addition.
- Potatoes: Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes are a perfect side dish to complement this creamy chicken.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or water to rehydrate the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well due to the cream cheese, as it can change texture when thawed.
Tips to Make
- Make Ahead: You can chop your veggies and slice the chicken ahead of time to speed up the cooking process.
- Substitute the Cheese: Use Parmesan or cheddar cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Skip the Mushrooms: If you don’t like mushrooms, simply leave them out or replace them with spinach for added greenery.
Variations
- Different Proteins: Try this recipe with boneless skinless chicken thighs or even turkey breast for a variation.
- Creamier Sauce: Add a bit of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, more decadent texture.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an added aromatic flavor.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, frozen chicken can be used, but you’ll need to cook it a bit longer to ensure it reaches the proper temperature (165°F).
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
- Yes, feel free to swap out mozzarella for Parmesan, cheddar, or even a blend of your favorites.
- Can I make this in the slow cooker?
- Yes, this recipe can be adapted for the slow cooker by adding the cream cheese and chicken broth in the crockpot and cooking on low for 4-6 hours.
Enjoy this easy and creamy chicken dish that’s quick to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a weeknight favorite!
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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and easy creamy chicken recipe featuring tender chicken strips in a delicious cream cheese sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners.
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 breasts, 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
- Steamed brown or white rice (for serving)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-8 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- Add cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Top the chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese, cover the skillet, and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the creamy chicken over steamed rice, garnished with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Reheat with a splash of chicken broth for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American