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

Scale

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