Description
Hearty cream cheese chicken elevates weeknight dinners with rich, tangy flavors. Comfort blends seamlessly with gourmet, inviting home cooks to savor each creamy, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese (softened and cubed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Seasoning Preparation: Blend garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with this aromatic spice mixture, massaging to ensure complete coverage.
- Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Brown chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, creating a golden caramelized crust. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauce Foundation: Reduce skillet heat and melt butter. Sauté minced garlic for one minute, releasing its intense flavor. Pour chicken broth, scraping pan to incorporate all flavor fragments.
- Cream Fusion: Whisk heavy cream and cream cheese into the skillet until achieving a smooth, velvety texture. Integrate Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Final Cooking: Return chicken to the skillet, completely submerging in the creamy sauce. Simmer covered for 10-12 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serving Presentation: Transfer chicken to serving plate, generously drizzling remaining sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve alongside preferred accompaniments like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Precision Seasoning: Ensure thorough and even coating of chicken with spice blend for maximum flavor penetration.
- Heat Management: Control skillet temperature carefully to prevent burning while developing golden caramelization on chicken.
- Sauce Smoothness: Whisk cream cheese continuously to create a silky, lump-free sauce with consistent texture.
- Protein Doneness: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature for safe, juicy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 691
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 1038 mg
- Fat: 58 g
- Saturated Fat: 32 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 206 mg