Creating a delightful meal for your family or friends doesn’t have to be time-consuming or complicated. This easy cream cheese chicken recipe combines simple ingredients to produce a savory, creamy sauce that enhances the flavor of tender chicken strips. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and delicious dinner.
Quick and Creamy Chicken Delight
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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
For Serving:
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients:
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma. - Season and Cook the Chicken:
While your vegetables are cooking, slice the chicken breasts into strips and season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the strips are golden brown on both sides. - Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat back to medium. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese has completely melted and blended with the broth to form a smooth, creamy sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the pan, cover it, and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken is cooked through (reach an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer). - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over steamed rice. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Recipe Tips and Variations
Mushrooms: If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or don’t have any on hand, you can skip them. The recipe is still delightful without them.
Cream Cheese: For a healthier option, use 1/3-less fat cream cheese. It still provides a creamy texture. Avoid fat-free cream cheese as it may not yield the same rich consistency.
Broth Alternatives: No chicken broth? Substitute with vegetable broth or even water in a pinch.
Cheese Options: Mozzarella adds a lovely melty finish, but you can experiment with grated Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Herb Garnishes: While fresh parsley adds a nice touch, you can omit it or use dried herbs to season the chicken.
Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed brown or white rice. Alternatively, try it with quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes. For a balanced meal, serve it alongside steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables.
Storing Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. For best results, reheat in the microwave after cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even warming.
Nutritional Information
This easy cream cheese chicken dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers a balance of proteins, fats, and carbs, making it a wholesome meal option. By using reduced-fat cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth, you can keep the calorie count lower while still enjoying a rich and creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This creamy dream chicken recipe is your go-to for a quick, satisfying, and delicious dinner. With its simple ingredients and straightforward cooking process, you can whip up a gourmet-style meal in no time. Perfect for busy nights or whenever you crave a comforting, home-cooked dish.
So, the next time you’re pressed for time but want to serve something delectable, remember this easy cream cheese chicken recipe. Your family will thank you for it!