Description
This Cream Cheese Chicken recipe is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender, seared chicken breasts smothered in a rich, silky cream cheese sauce infused with garlic and chicken broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines simple ingredients and straightforward steps to deliver a satisfying meal garnished with fresh herbs for a touch of color and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Paprika, to taste
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Garnish
- Chopped chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for balanced flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. If necessary, add a little more oil or butter to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned, to enhance the sauce’s aroma.
- Prepare the sauce: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to lift any browned bits left from the chicken. Then add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Simmer the chicken in sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the cream cheese sauce on top, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the chicken remains juicy.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped chives or parsley over the chicken for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve the chicken warm with the creamy sauce spooned generously on top.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken briefly in a mixture of olive oil, paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper before cooking.
- You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or ricotta for a different creamy texture.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to complete the meal.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it.
- Make sure to use softened cream cheese for easier melting into the sauce.
