Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender chicken strips cooked with mushrooms and melted cream cheese create a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Steamed brown or white rice, for serving
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Step 3: While the vegetables cook, slice the chicken breast into strips and season them with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Step 4: Increase the heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan and sear for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
- Step 5: Lower the heat to medium, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and combines into a smooth sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken, cover the pan, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 6: Serve the creamy chicken and mushrooms over steamed rice, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and mozzarella for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Swap white button mushrooms for cremini or shiitake to add a deeper flavor.
- For a touch of spice, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
- Try serving over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Storage
Store leftover cream cheese chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it when reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken breast for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before slicing and cooking to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
You can substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a slightly different texture and flavor, but be mindful that the sauce consistency and taste will vary.
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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe features tender chicken strips sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then simmered in a creamy blend of cream cheese and chicken broth, topped with melted mozzarella. Served over steamed rice and garnished with fresh parsley, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Steamed brown or white rice, for serving
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil. Once hot, add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms have softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Season the chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, slice the chicken breasts into strips. Season the strips with kosher salt and black pepper evenly on all sides.
- Cook the chicken: Increase the skillet heat to medium-high. Add the seasoned chicken strips to the pan with the vegetables. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning once halfway through, until the strips are golden brown on the outside.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into a smooth sauce.
- Add the cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet contents. Cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (an internal temperature of 165°F is recommended). Adjust seasoning with extra salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over steamed brown or white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat mozzarella for a lighter dish without compromising creaminess.
- Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Substitute white button mushrooms with cremini or portobello for richer flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for different meal variations.
- For added flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan before adding cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cream cheese chicken, easy chicken recipe, creamy chicken, chicken with mushrooms, stovetop chicken, weeknight dinner, mozzarella chicken
