Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
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Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

ByLily Carter
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One of those weeknight dinners I keep returning to is this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate—simple, creamy, and packed with flavor without any fuss. I love how the cream cheese elevates the chicken to something special, yet it only takes about 30 minutes to pull together.

If you’re looking for a recipe that hits all the right comfort food notes but doesn’t keep you stuck in the kitchen, this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is definitely worth a try. Whether it’s for a quick dinner or when you want to impress without stress, this dish checks all the boxes for me.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken breasts. When you shop, look for fresh garlic and good-quality cream cheese to really make the flavors sing.

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: I like to gently flatten them to even out the thickness so they cook perfectly every time.
  • Cornstarch: This helps create a light coating that locks in moisture and gives a slight crispiness to the chicken.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth to the coating without overpowering the fresh garlic later.
  • Smoked sweet paprika: Just a pinch adds a smoky undertone that perfectly balances the creaminess.
  • Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning—you can always adjust these at the end too.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality one for searing; it adds a nice fruity flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
  • Cream cheese: The star of the skillet—make sure it’s at room temperature for easier melting.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness when sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • Finely chopped onion: Provides sweetness and texture to the sauce.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a wonderful aroma and depth.
  • Low sodium chicken broth: Keeps the sauce light and flavorful without being salty.
  • Parmesan cheese: A little bit brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color right before serving.
  • Water and soy sauce: These thin the sauce and add a subtle umami kick — adjust to your taste!

Variations

I love tweaking this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what I’m craving. Feel free to mix it up—you’ll find it’s surprisingly forgiving and easy to personalize.

  • Vegetable boost: Sometimes I toss in spinach or mushrooms into the sauce near the end for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Dairy alternatives: If you need a lighter version, try substituting cream cheese with Neufchâtel or even a plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free twist.
  • Seasoning swaps: I occasionally swap smoked paprika for chili powder if I’m craving a little heat.
  • Protein variety: This recipe also works great with thin pork chops or turkey cutlets if you want to switch it up.

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and season the chicken

Start by flattening those chicken breasts gently with a meat tenderizer or rolling pin until they’re an even thickness—about half an inch is perfect. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender. Then, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and coat them in the seasoned cornstarch mixture you made by combining cornstarch, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Don’t forget to shake off the excess cornstarch to avoid a gummy coating.

Step 2: Sear the chicken until golden

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and once hot, add the chicken. Let it sizzle undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should hit 165ºF). I find it helps to resist flipping too soon so you get that nice crust. Once done, set the chicken aside on a plate and wipe out some of the excess oil from the pan before moving on.

Step 3: Build the creamy sauce

In the same skillet, keep about two tablespoons of oil and melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté until they turn translucent—this step brings out a natural sweetness that balances the cream cheese beautifully. Toss in minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Deglaze and melt cheese into sauce

Pour in the low sodium chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those tasty browned bits from the bottom with your spatula—that’s pure flavor magic. Next, swirl in the cream cheese, breaking it up with your spoon as it slowly melts into a luscious sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it combine until silky smooth.

Step 5: Final touches and warming the chicken

If you want your sauce a little thinner, gradually add water and soy sauce—start small, taste, and adjust so you get the balance just right. Remember, the Parmesan adds saltiness, so patience here is key before adding any extra salt or pepper. Pop your chicken back in the skillet, letting it simmer gently for 20-30 seconds on each side to warm through and soak up that creamy goodness.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

The image shows six distinct items placed on a white marbled surface. At the center-left, there are two raw pale pink chicken breasts with a smooth, slightly shiny texture. To the top-left is a small white bowl with fine white powder inside. To the top-right, another small white bowl contains a coarse red spice mix with visible flakes and crumbs. At the center-right, a white bowl is filled with small white shredded pieces that look light and flaky. Below this bowl, directly in the bottom-right corner, is a clear glass bowl with bright yellow olive oil showing a smooth surface. In the bottom-left corner, a small white plate holds several sticks of pale yellow butter. Near the butter, there is a sprig of green parsley with delicate leaves and three garlic cloves with off-white, smooth skins scattered around. The overall layout is neat with each ingredient clearly visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is my go-to garnish because it adds a pop of color and a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top just before serving for a nice savory finish.

Side Dishes

I like serving this skillet chicken with buttery garlic mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to scoop up all that sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans provide a crisp contrast, but even a simple side salad works great if you want to keep it light.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated this over herb-infused couscous and garnished with toasted pine nuts and microgreens. It makes the dish feel extra fancy without much extra effort, and guests always ask for the recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up, so you might want to loosen it a bit with a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe freezes surprisingly well. Just cool completely before freezing in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce as it warms. I avoid the microwave for this one since the sauce can split or dry out, and stovetop reheating keeps it silky and delicious.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for the Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving, so they’re a great alternative. Just adjust cooking time since thighs can be a bit thicker or smaller, and make sure to check the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

  2. Is this recipe gluten-free?

    Yes, it can be! Just make sure your cornstarch and soy sauce are certified gluten-free—tamari is a great soy sauce substitute if you want to be extra cautious.

  3. How do I prevent the cream cheese sauce from clumping?

    Bring the cream cheese to room temperature before adding it, and stir continuously while it melts into the broth. Adding it slowly and stirring gently helps create a smooth sauce without clumps.

  4. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

    You can try using hearty vegetables like cauliflower steaks or portobello mushrooms in place of chicken and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. It won’t be exactly the same, but the creamy sauce still works wonderfully.

  5. What’s the best way to check if the chicken is cooked?

    The safest way is to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to check there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe has truly become one of my kitchen staples. It’s straightforward, comforting, and makes dinner feel a little more special without extra stress. I hope you’ll give it a go—you’ll love how easy it is to get tender chicken enveloped in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s a recipe that’s just as happy for busy weeknights as it is for cozy weekends, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become one of your favorites too.

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Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 115 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet recipe offers tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned cornstarch mix, seared to golden perfection, and then simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, Parmesan, and savory broth. A quick and comforting one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights with a luscious sauce and fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup olive oil

Sauce

  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • ½ tablespoon water
  • ½ to 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoned coating: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, and smoked sweet paprika to create a flavorful coating for the chicken.
  2. Flatten the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently flatten them with a meat tenderizer to promote even cooking and tender texture.
  3. Season and coat the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Then evenly coat them with the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165ºF). Remove chicken and set aside. Wipe excess grease from the skillet with a paper towel.
  5. Sauté aromatics: Keep 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Melt the unsalted butter and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Deglaze the skillet: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a spatula, stirring gently to combine flavors.
  7. Create the creamy sauce: Add the cream cheese broken into smaller pieces. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until well incorporated.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency and seasoning: If needed, stir in water and soy sauce gradually to achieve your desired sauce thickness. Season with salt and pepper cautiously, considering the saltiness from Parmesan cheese.
  9. Finish cooking chicken in sauce: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer gently for 20 to 30 seconds, flipping once, until the chicken is heated through and well coated in the creamy sauce.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish to add a fresh flavor and vibrant color before serving.

Notes

  • Flattening the chicken ensures tenderness and even cooking.
  • The seasoned cornstarch coating helps lock in moisture for juicy chicken.
  • Always check chicken internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165ºF for safety.
  • Avoid overcooking to prevent dry chicken.
  • Season the sauce after adding Parmesan to avoid excessive saltiness.
Avatar photo

Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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