Description
Creamy comfort meets weeknight convenience in this irresistible cream cheese chicken recipe. Quick and delicious flavors blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon butter
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Drizzle olive oil and melt butter in a spacious skillet, heating over medium-high temperature to create a sizzling cooking surface.
- Generously coat chicken pieces with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Carefully place seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown perfection, cooking approximately 5-6 minutes per side until the meat is thoroughly cooked and juices run clear.
- Gently transfer the perfectly seared chicken to a separate plate, keeping it warm and letting it rest while preparing the subsequent components of the dish.
- In the same skillet, leverage the accumulated flavorful fond and residual cooking oils to create a rich base for the upcoming sauce preparation.
- Introduce cream cheese into the skillet, slowly melting and whisking to create a smooth, luxurious sauce that will envelop the chicken in creamy decadence.
- Gradually incorporate broth and additional seasonings, stirring continuously to prevent scorching and promote a uniform, velvety sauce consistency.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, gently nestling the pieces into the creamy sauce, allowing them to reheat and absorb the surrounding flavors.
- Simmer the entire composition for a few additional minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated thoroughly and the sauce reaches a perfect, slightly thickened state.
- Plate the chicken, generously spooning the rich, creamy sauce over the top, creating an appetizing presentation ready to be savored.
Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
- Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to reduce cooking time and create a leaner dish.
- Swap regular cream cheese with low-fat or dairy-free alternatives for healthier or dietary-specific variations.
- Add fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme to elevate the flavor profile and bring brightness to the dish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg