CREAMY DREAM CHEESE CHICKEN

Okay, friend, let’s be real: weeknight dinners can be a *struggle*. You’re tired, maybe a little hangry, and the last thing you want to do is slave over a complicated recipe. But what if I told you that you could have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in under an hour, packed with flavor and incredibly comforting? Get ready to make Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken!, a dish so good, it’ll become your new go-to. You’re going to absolutely love this!

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing dish. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your fridge or pantry!

For the Creamy Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

For Serving (choose your favorite!):

• Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, fettuccine, etc.)
• Cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables

Step-by-Step to Creamy Chicken Perfection

Alright, let’s get cooking! I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ve got this!

Sautéing the Chicken and Aromatics:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Creating the Creamy Dreamy Sauce:

1. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
2. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth. This might take a few minutes, but be patient – it’s worth it!
3. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to your taste.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
2. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
3. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally.
4. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Serving and Enjoying Your Masterpiece:

1. Serve the Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Dig in and enjoy! Seriously, you deserve it!

The Secret to Ultra-Creamy Goodness

Softened cream cheese is KEY! Don’t try to shortcut this. Letting it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or even longer) ensures it melts smoothly into the sauce without any lumps.

Flavor Boosters: Taking It to the Next Level

Want to customize your Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken? Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick.
• Add veggies: Stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: A quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) adds a burst of intense flavor.
• Lemon zest: A teaspoon of lemon zest brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of freshness.

Prep Ahead Power: Save Time Like a Pro

This recipe is already pretty quick, but if you want to save even more time on a busy weeknight, here’s what you can do:

• Chop veggies in advance: Chop the onion and garlic ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Cook the chicken: You can cook the chicken up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
• Make the sauce: The sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop before adding the chicken.

Choosing Your Perfect Pairing

This Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken is so versatile! Here are some serving suggestions to get your taste buds tingling:

• Pasta: Penne, rotini, and fettuccine are all excellent choices.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice all work well.
• Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are delicious and healthy options.

Troubleshooting: Because Life Happens in the Kitchen

Even the best cooks encounter hiccups! Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Lumpy sauce: If your sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously over low heat. You can also use an immersion blender to smooth it out. A tablespoon of cold butter whisked in at the end can also help!
• Sauce too thick: Add a splash more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce it. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
• Chicken is dry: Make sure you don’t overcook the chicken! If it’s already dry, you can try adding a little more chicken broth to the sauce to help rehydrate it.

Similar Recipes You Will Adore

If you love this Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out these other delicious and easy chicken recipes. Maybe you’re in the mood for CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE for a comforting one-pot meal. Or, if you’re craving something with pasta, try CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN or perhaps even some VEGGIE-LOADED CHICKEN PASTA PERFECTION. Feeling like something with a kick? Then CAJUN CHICKEN TORTELLINI is perfect. And don’t forget the classics – CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA is always a winner! For a creamy soup option, try CREAMY CHICKEN CORN CHOWDER!

The Finale: Your Culinary Triumph

There you have it! Creamy Dreamy Cream Cheese Chicken that’s easier than ordering takeout and way more delicious. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations with me – I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!

Creamy Dream Cheese Chicken

This Creamy Dream Cheese Chicken recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a rich and creamy sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning, creating a comforting and satisfying dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving

Equipment

• large skillet
• cutting board
• knife
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• spatula or wooden spoon
• Mixing bowl (optional, for seasoning chicken)
• Serving dish

Method

 

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened and translucent (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
5. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet and stir until melted and smooth.
7. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
8. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
9. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to your taste.
10. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the creamy sauce.
11. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
12. Simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to reduce it.
13. Serve the Creamy Dream Cheese Chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
14. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the skillet to prevent lumps. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings as needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. To spice things up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce. You can also stir in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers along with the onions and garlic. A quarter cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) adds a burst of intense flavor. A teaspoon of lemon zest brightens up the sauce and adds a touch of freshness.