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There’s something truly special about a creamy, cheesy chicken dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Cream Cheese Chicken is one of those recipes that effortlessly combines simple ingredients to create a rich, satisfying meal that you and your family will crave night after night. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or wanting to impress guests with comfort food, this recipe delivers every time.
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Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring seared chicken breast strips cooked with mushrooms, garlic, and cream cheese, topped with mozzarella, and served over steamed rice.
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 (for serving)
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add oil.
2. Add onions and mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
3. Meanwhile, slice the chicken into strips and season with the salt and pepper.
4. Increase the heat to medium high, then add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan. Sear for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
5. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth and stir until melted and well incorporated. Sprinkle the mozzarella over the pan, cover, reduce heat and cook 2-3 minutes until cooked through.
6. Season to taste with extra salt and pepper.
7. Serve over steamed rice with parsley if desired.
Notes
Use full-fat cream cheese for best creaminess.
Sear chicken on medium-high heat for golden color.
Stir cream cheese continuously to avoid lumps.
Add white wine or Dijon mustard for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken
To make this delicious Cream Cheese Chicken, you will need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 teaspoons |
| Small onion, chopped | 1 |
| White button mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz. |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2 |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips | 1 ½ lbs. |
| Kosher salt | ¾ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Plain cream cheese (regular or reduced-fat) | 4 oz. |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | ¼ cup |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | ¼ to ½ cup |
| Steamed brown or white rice | For serving |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (optional) | 3 tablespoons |
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken: Step-by-Step
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- While the vegetables cook, slice the chicken breasts into strips and season with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the chicken strips to the skillet and sear them for 6-8 minutes, turning once until golden brown and cooked through.
- Lower the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the chicken is fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Taste and season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken and mushrooms over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest sauce, but reduced-fat works well if you prefer a lighter dish.
- Searing the chicken on medium-high heat ensures it gets a nice golden color and locks in juices.
- Stir the cream cheese continuously as it melts to prevent lumps in your creamy sauce.
- If you want to add extra flavor, a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard can be stirred into the sauce before adding mozzarella.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice but can also be enjoyed with mashed potatoes, pasta, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cream Cheese Chicken is an easy-to-follow, quick recipe that tastes indulgent yet uses simple ingredients that many already have in their kitchens. It combines the savoriness of seared chicken, the earthiness of mushrooms, and the richness of cream cheese in a luscious sauce, elevated by mozzarella’s melty goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! While mozzarella adds a mild, gooey texture, you can substitute with cheddar, Parmesan, or even gouda for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
It is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce separately. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, but the texture and flavor will vary. Nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor if needed.
With this Cream Cheese Chicken recipe, you’re just a short cooking session away from a satisfying, creamy dinner that feels like a special treat but is simple enough for any day of the week. Gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and enjoy a rich meal full of comforting flavors.