Here’s a simple, creamy, and flavorful way to make chicken with cream cheese—perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy meal.
Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet
Ingredients (serves 2–4)
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme, parsley, or Italian seasoning)
- Optional: 1/2 cup spinach or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. - Sear the chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through yet. - Make the cream cheese sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add chicken broth to the skillet and stir in softened cream cheese until smooth. Add herbs, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes if using. - Simmer
Return chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Cover and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the sauce is creamy and slightly thickened. - Serve
Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and serve with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables.
Tips
- For extra flavor, brown the chicken in butter instead of oil.
- You can add cheese like parmesan or mozzarella to the sauce for a richer texture.
- Leftovers: The creamy sauce pairs well with mashed potatoes or even as a filling in wraps or sandwiches.
I can also give you a baked version of chicken with cream cheese and herbs that’s hands-off and perfect for meal prep if you want. Do you want that version too?
