Cream Cheese Chicken

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Tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, velvety cream cheese sauce — this Cream Cheese Chicken is comfort food at its finest. With pops of sweet red bell peppers, a subtle garlic kick, and the warmth of paprika, every bite is a creamy, savory experience that will have you licking the spoon clean. Whether you’re making a cozy dinner for your family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers flavor and elegance with minimal effort.

Perfect for weeknights, yet impressive enough for weekends, this one-pan wonder pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every bit of the sauce. The best part? It uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Cream Cheese Chicken is more than just a meal — it’s the kind of dish that becomes a go-to favorite for its simplicity and irresistible flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken

• Incredibly creamy and flavorful with minimal ingredients
• Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive for guests
• A one-skillet meal, meaning easy prep and cleanup
• Kid-friendly and highly adaptable with different veggies or spices
• Comfort food that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started on this Cream Cheese Chicken, a few essential kitchen tools will make everything smoother:

• Large skillet or sauté pan: This dish is cooked entirely in one pan, so choose a skillet with enough depth to hold the sauce and chicken comfortably.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For chopping garlic, onions, and bell peppers. A sharp knife ensures clean cuts and quicker prep.
• Tongs or spatula: To turn and remove the chicken without breaking it apart.
• Whisk: Essential for blending the cream cheese into the sauce smoothly without lumps.

These tools not only make preparation easier, but they also help maintain the texture and quality of the dish as it comes together.

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Preparation Tips

Start by letting your cream cheese soften at room temperature — this makes it much easier to incorporate into the sauce. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and searing to get a nice, golden crust that locks in flavor. When adding the cream cheese, cut it into chunks and stir continuously to help it melt evenly into the sauce. If your sauce feels too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk will loosen it without compromising flavor. Lastly, taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning — a pinch of salt or paprika at the end can make all the difference.

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Ingredients for this Cream Cheese Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (plus more for garnish)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet).

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Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more oil if needed, then sauté the minced garlic, chopped onions, and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.

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Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet in small chunks. Stir continuously to melt it evenly into the sautéed mixture. Gradually pour in the chicken broth (and heavy cream if using), whisking until smooth and velvety. Add the Italian herbs or thyme, and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in Sauce

Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover with a lid and let it simmer over low heat for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Stir occasionally and spoon some sauce over the chicken as it cooks.

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Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Once done, sprinkle extra paprika and fresh chopped parsley over the top. Serve the chicken hot, spooning generous amounts of sauce over each portion. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables.

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Notes

This Cream Cheese Chicken is incredibly versatile. You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli directly into the sauce to make it a complete one-pan meal. For extra flavor, try using garlic and herb-flavored cream cheese. If you’re watching calories, use light cream cheese and skip the heavy cream. Also, don’t rush the simmering process — the slower it cooks, the more flavorful the chicken becomes as it absorbs the sauce.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the chicken: Always monitor the internal temperature to avoid drying it out. Aim for 165°F (74°C).
• Adding cold cream cheese: It won’t melt evenly and can cause lumps. Let it soften at room temp before using.
• Too high heat for sauce: Keep the heat low to avoid breaking or curdling the creamy sauce.
• Skipping the seasoning: Be sure to taste the sauce before serving and adjust the salt or paprika as needed.
• Crowding the skillet: If your skillet is too small, sear the chicken in batches to ensure an even golden crust.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating. Add a splash of milk or broth to refresh the sauce’s texture. Freezing isn’t recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate when thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 560mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as needed.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone, Boursin cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently on the stove.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and seasonings used are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli are great add-ins and can be sautéed with the onions and peppers.

What sides go best with this dish?

Mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or crusty bread all pair perfectly with the creamy sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for a kick of heat.

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Conclusion

Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those comforting, crave-worthy meals that feels fancy but is surprisingly simple to make. With its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor, it turns an ordinary chicken dinner into something special. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, this recipe guarantees an empty plate and plenty of compliments. Make it once, and it might just become a permanent addition to your dinner rotation.

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