Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Whipping up a delightful cream cheese chicken might just become your new culinary adventure tonight.

Creamy textures and savory flavors promise an incredible dinner experience.

Weeknight meals rarely feel this luxurious and simple.

Comfort food enthusiasts will adore this straightforward approach to classic ingredients.

Home cooks can craft something magical with minimal preparation time.

Each bite promises rich, velvety satisfaction that lingers deliciously.

Flavor Variations on Cream Cheese Chicken

• Herb-Infused Chicken Delight: Replace dill with fresh thyme or rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-style version. Swap white wine for chicken broth to make it alcohol-free.
• Low-Fat Protein Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to reduce calories. Select boneless chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture while maintaining the recipe's core technique.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk for a plant-based sauce. Use nutritional yeast to enhance the creamy texture and add a subtle cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Add diced green chiles and swap Dijon mustard for chipotle paste. Incorporate cumin and smoked paprika to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-style chicken entree.

Pairing Suggestions for Cream Cheese Chicken

• Select a bright, acidic Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the chicken's richness.
• Prepare garlic-roasted asparagus or herb-infused Brussels sprouts to provide a fresh, slightly charred contrast to the dish's creamy texture.
• Choose a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the luxurious sauce, enhancing every bite with additional flavor and texture.
• Create a light mixed green salad with fresh dill, lemon vinaigrette, and crisp cucumber to balance the dish's decadent cream cheese base.

Storage Tips for Cream Cheese Chicken

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Keep sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Label with the date to track storage time.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Stovetop Reheat: Gently warm chicken in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

FAQs

• Is cream cheese chicken a healthy dish?

Despite being creamy, this recipe offers balanced nutrition with lean protein from chicken and calcium from cream cheese. Dijon mustard and herbs add flavor without excessive calories.

• Can I use different types of cream cheese?

Yes, you can substitute regular, low-fat, or neufchâtel cream cheese. Just ensure it melts smoothly and maintains the sauce’s creamy consistency.

• What wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works perfectly. The wine adds depth and helps deglaze the pan, creating rich flavor layers.

• How do I prevent the chicken from becoming dry?

Sear the chicken first, then finish cooking in the sauce. This method keeps the meat tender and allows it to absorb the creamy, flavorful sauce, ensuring juicy results.

Cream Cheese Chicken That Impresses

• Savor Quick Gourmet Cooking: This cream cheese chicken recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal professional cooking skills required.
• Customize Flavor Perfectly: Easily adjust the dish's taste profile by modifying wine, mustard, or spice levels to match personal preferences or pantry availability.
• Create One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique make this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals without extensive cleanup.
• Boost Protein with Creamy Sauce: The rich cream cheese sauce elevates basic chicken breasts into a luxurious, satisfying protein dish that feels indulgent yet remains relatively healthy.

Ingredients for Cream Cheese Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless cuts that serve as the primary protein for this creamy dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Yellow onion and garlic cloves that provide a foundational flavor base for the sauce.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Spices that enhance the overall taste profile and add depth to the chicken and sauce.

• Fresh Dill: Bright and delicate herb that adds a fresh, aromatic finish to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that creates a rich and smooth sauce with a tangy flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a sharp and slightly spicy undertone to the sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken and sautéing aromatics.
• Dry White Wine: Helps deglaze the pan and adds complexity to the sauce.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides additional liquid and depth to the cooking sauce.

How to Cook Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Prep The Ingredients

Grab your cutting board and knife. Chop the yellow onion into tiny pieces.

Peel and mince the garlic cloves. Coarsely chop the fresh dill fronds.

Cut the cream cheese into equal chunks. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels.

Season the chicken with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

When the oil starts to shimmer, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Cook the chicken, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides.

This takes about 10 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate – it won’t be fully cooked yet.

Step 3: Sauté The Aromatics

Add more olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the chopped onions and cook until they soften.

Introduce the minced garlic and continue cooking until it turns golden and becomes fragrant. Pour in the white wine, scraping up all the delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Let the wine reduce almost completely.

Step 4: Create The Creamy Sauce

Pour chicken broth into the skillet.

• Cream cheese chunks
• Dijon mustard
• Remaining salt
• Remaining black pepper

Whisk the mixture constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet with any collected juices. Cover and simmer on medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked.

This takes about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

Sprinkle chopped dill and red pepper flakes over the top. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, herb-infused chicken dish!

Tips to Nail Cream Cheese Chicken

• Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
• Whisk cream cheese sauce thoroughly to avoid lumps and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio for maximum flavor depth in the sauce.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe cooking without overcooking.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a more tender and juicy alternative if preferred.

Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cream cheese chicken brings together zesty Italian herbs and tender poultry in a mouthwatering main dish. Creamy, rich flavors combine with simple ingredients for a comforting meal you can easily prepare at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 lbs)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 4 tbsps olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 2 tsps Dijon mustard
• 1 small bunch fresh dill
• 1 1/2 tsps kosher salt (divided, additional as required)
• 3/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (divided, additional as required)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients by finely dicing yellow onion, mincing garlic cloves, and roughly chopping fresh dill fronds. Pat chicken breasts completely dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Sear chicken for approximately 10 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown on both sides. Transfer chicken to a separate plate, noting it will not be fully cooked.
3. Add additional olive oil to the skillet. Sauté onions until translucent, about 2 minutes. Introduce minced garlic and cook until fragrant and golden, roughly 1 minute. Deglaze the pan with dry white wine, scraping up browned bits, and allow liquid to nearly evaporate.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet. Incorporate cream cheese segments, Dijon mustard, remaining salt, and pepper. Whisk continuously until cream cheese melts completely and sauce becomes smooth and uniform.
5. Return chicken to the skillet with accumulated juices. Simmer covered on medium heat for 3-5 minutes until chicken reaches full internal doneness. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped dill and red pepper flakes.

Notes

• Dry chicken breasts thoroughly to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
• Opt for high-quality cream cheese for a richer, smoother sauce that blends seamlessly with the chicken.
• Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to add depth and complexity to the sauce without overpowering the dish.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg