Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

This easy cream cheese chicken brings together tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a luscious creamy sauce that has rescued many of my weeknight dinners It is satisfying and impressive but comes together using simple pantry staples for a no-stress meal perfect for busy nights

I first threw this dish together on a busy school night when I had little time or patience My family scraped their plates and immediately asked for seconds so it earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and boosting richness use the best quality you have for the best flavor
• Small onion: Adds subtle sweetness and aromatic depth choose one with tight papery skin and no soft spots
• White button mushrooms: Contribute an earthy bite and soak up creamy sauce pick those with firm round caps
• Garlic: Essential for building that warm savory foundation buy it fresh when possible for more punch
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Lean protein base slice evenly for consistent cooking
• Kosher salt: Seasons the dish and enhances all ingredients opt for flakes over fine salt for easier control
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat use freshly cracked for the brightest aroma
• Regular or reduced fat plain cream cheese: Creates the signature tangy creaminess both versions work well
• Low sodium chicken broth: Loosens the sauce and adds a savory layer low sodium lets you control saltiness
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts over top for gooey richness choose whole milk variety for best melt
• For serving steamed brown or white rice: Soaks up the sauce and completes the meal
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish select perky leaves without wilting

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Skillet:

Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil Let it warm until shimmering so nothing sticks and your onions and mushrooms can sizzle right away

Sauté the Aromatics:

Toss in the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms Cook gently for four to five minutes stirring regularly until the onions go glossy and the mushrooms soften up Add the minced garlic and let it cook just thirty seconds to release aroma without burning

Season and Slice the Chicken:

While the aromatics cook slice the chicken breast into uniform strips This helps even cooking Sprinkle salt and pepper over all sides then toss to coat every piece

Sear the Chicken:

Turn up the heat to medium high Add the seasoned chicken strips into the pan arranging them in a single layer Let them sizzle untouched for three minutes so they brown then flip and cook another three to five minutes until every strip is golden

Melt the Cream Cheese:

Cut the cream cheese into smaller pieces for quicker melting Scatter them into the skillet along with the chicken broth Stir slowly as the cheese melts forming a thick silky sauce that coats every bite

Add the Mozzarella and Finish Cooking:

Sprinkle mozzarella evenly across the top Cover the skillet and drop the heat to low Let it cook another two to three minutes until the cheese is gooey and the chicken is cooked through Check the thickest piece to be sure it is at least one hundred sixty five degrees

Taste and Serve:

Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper if needed Spoon the creamy chicken and mushrooms over bowls of fluffy rice Scatter over fresh parsley for color and a garden fresh kick

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This meal has earned so many rave reviews in my house we even eat it straight out of the pan on extra hungry nights Once you try it I am sure it will find a spot in your own family’s regular dinner lineup

Storage Tips

Let leftovers cool fully before sealing them in airtight containers Refrigerate for up to three days Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at half power stirring halfway If sauce thickens too much add a splash of broth or milk to loosen

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you want a juicier bite or if that is what you have Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangier lighter sauce If you are out of mozzarella try a melty cheese like Monterey Jack or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for a nutty twist

Serving Suggestions

This chicken shines served on a fluffy bed of brown or white rice but I have also spooned it over egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes For a lower carb dinner try it with riced cauliflower or roasted green beans

A Bit of Backstory

Cream cheese chicken has roots in classic American comfort food The idea of adding cream cheese to poultry dishes took off in the 1960s when convenient processed ingredients became popular Home cooks love the creamy texture and the way the sauce clings to rice or bread making every bite soul warming

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Give this easy weeknight recipe a try for creamy comfort food happiness with barely any fuss

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Cut the chicken into even strips for uniform cooking, and avoid overcooking by searing quickly at medium-high heat. Finish in the sauce just until cooked through for maximum tenderness.

→ Can I use different mushrooms?

Yes, cremini or baby bella mushrooms work well for deeper flavor. Any fresh mushroom variety can be used to match personal preference.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead?

Prepare up to the final cheese melting step. Cool, refrigerate, and gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, to serve fresh.

→ What sides complement this dish?

Steamed brown or white rice soaks up the creamy sauce. Steamed vegetables or a crisp side salad can add extra texture and freshness.

→ Can low-fat cream cheese be substituted?

Yes, reduced-fat cream cheese blends smoothly and maintains a creamy texture, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.