Description
Creamy dreams come alive with this sensational cream cheese chicken recipe that blends comfort and elegance on one delightful plate. Savory chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce promises a meal that satisfies deeply and leaves diners craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ½ pounds / 700 grams)
Dairy and Cream Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream or milk
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
Seasonings and Cooking Liquids:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Blend salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder into a delicate seasoning rub, thoroughly coating each chicken breast with the aromatic mixture.
- Ignite a large skillet over medium-high flame, introducing olive oil or butter to create a sizzling cooking surface.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, allowing them to develop a golden-brown crust, transforming each side through a precise 4-5 minute searing process.
- Gently transfer the perfectly browned chicken to a waiting plate, preserving its savory exterior while preparing for the next culinary phase.
- In the same skillet, retain the flavorful residual oils and fond that will enhance the upcoming cream cheese sauce.
- Reduce heat to medium and introduce minced garlic, allowing it to release its fragrant essence without burning.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, scraping accumulated browned bits from the pan’s surface to maximize depth of flavor.
- Incorporate cream cheese, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety sauce that integrates seamlessly with the pan’s existing flavors.
- Return seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the creamy sauce and allowing them to simmer gently.
- Cover and cook until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency.
- Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a vibrant finishing touch.
Notes
- Enhance chicken tenderness by gently pounding breasts to even thickness before seasoning, ensuring uniform cooking and juiciness.
- Swap traditional dairy for dietary needs by using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like cashew or almond-based versions for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.
- Elevate flavor complexity by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the seasoning blend, adding depth and aromatic richness to the chicken.
- Prevent dryness by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (74°C) without overcooking, guaranteeing succulent and safe-to-eat chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 462
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 685mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 122mg