This recipe features tender chicken baked in a luscious cream cheese sauce. Easy to make and incredibly delicious.
Delicious Chicken Cream Cheese Recipe
This chicken cream cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s simple, comforting, and uses minimal ingredients. Furthermore, the creamy sauce elevates the chicken to a new level. Therefore, it’s a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Why This Recipe Works
First of all, this recipe combines the richness of cream cheese with succulent chicken. Moreover, the baking method ensures the chicken stays moist. Finally, the simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors. Therefore, it’s a fantastic balance of taste and texture.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Steps to Make Creamy Chicken and Cream Cheese
Firstly, prepare all your ingredients. Then, you can start cooking. This makes the whole process smooth and efficient. Therefore, ensure you are organized.
Prepping the Chicken
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Next, lightly grease a baking dish.
- Afterward, place the chicken breasts in the dish.
- Following this, drizzle the chicken with olive oil.
- Then, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Finally, set the chicken aside.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
- Firstly, in a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth.
- Then, add the milk to the bowl.
- Subsequently, whisk everything together until smooth.
- Ensure there are no lumps.
- This makes the sauce perfectly creamy for your chicken cream cheese recipe.
Assembling and Baking
- Firstly, pour the cream cheese sauce over the chicken.
- Make sure to cover the chicken evenly with the sauce.
- Then, bake in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- The chicken should be cooked through.
- Moreover, the sauce should be bubbly and slightly thickened.
- Consequently, the chicken and cream cheese is ready.
Finishing Touches
- Once baked, remove from the oven.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- If desired, garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy your delicious chicken cream cheese dish. Therefore, this step elevates the presentation.
Variations and Tips for Your Chicken and Cream Cheese Recipe
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some ways to enhance your chicken recipes and cream cheese recipe
Cheese Variations
You can experiment with different types of cheese. For example, try adding shredded cheddar. Moreover, consider using Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese. These alternatives offer unique flavor profiles. Thus, they provide exciting changes to the base recipe.
Spice It Up
To add a bit of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes. Similarly, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper. A little bit of hot sauce will also do the trick. For instance, a few drops of your favorite hot sauce can make a noticeable difference. Thus, consider this option for a spicier dish.
Vegetable Additions
Adding vegetables makes this a more balanced meal. For instance, throw in some chopped spinach. Similarly, you can include sliced mushrooms. Diced bell peppers or onions are also good choices. Furthermore, pre-cooked broccoli florets work well too. Therefore, don’t be afraid to incorporate your favorite veggies.
Serving Suggestions for Cream Cheese Chicken
This chicken cream cheese dish is versatile. It pairs well with various side dishes.
Rice and Grains
Serve this dish over a bed of fluffy rice. Furthermore, quinoa or couscous are excellent alternatives. These absorb the creamy sauce beautifully. Thus, providing a satisfying and complete meal.
Pasta Options
Consider serving it with your favorite pasta. For example, penne, spaghetti, or fettuccine all work great. Toss the pasta with the chicken and cream cheese sauce. It makes for a comforting pasta dish. Consequently, it will make the recipe even more filling.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables make a healthy side. For instance, try roasting broccoli, carrots, or potatoes. These complement the richness of the chicken cream cheese sauce. Therefore, it’s a great way to add more nutrients.
The Best Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
This chicken cream cheese recipe is incredibly easy, similar to this chicken dressing recipe. It requires minimal effort and yields maximum flavor. Furthermore, you can personalize it to your liking. Therefore, it’s a recipe you will make again and again.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prepare the cream cheese sauce in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. However, do not assemble completely ahead of time. Thus, prepare it ahead of baking to save time.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to three days. To reheat, microwave or bake until warmed through. Additionally, add a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Therefore, this helps preserve its quality when reheating.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
For the best results, use softened cream cheese. Also, ensure the chicken is cooked through. Finally, taste and adjust seasonings to your preference. Therefore, these tips will guarantee perfection every time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions about this chicken cream cheese recipe.
Do chicken and cheese go well together?
Yes, chicken and cheese pair very well. The savory flavor of chicken complements the rich, creamy taste of cheese. Cream cheese enhances the chicken’s flavor and texture. Thus, this is a winning combination.
What is the secret to moist chicken breast?
The secret to moist chicken breast is not to overcook it. Baking chicken in a creamy sauce, such as with this chicken and cream cheese recipe, helps maintain moisture. Therefore, always use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
How do you thicken chicken broth and cream cheese?
The cream cheese naturally thickens the chicken broth. Furthermore, baking the sauce reduces the liquid. For an extra thick sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry. Therefore, this is an effective way to thicken the sauce if needed.
What kind of cheese goes best with chicken?
Many cheeses pair well with chicken. However, cream cheese is an excellent choice for a creamy sauce. Other good options include cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Therefore, choose the cheese that complements your preferred flavor profile.