Name: Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large chicken breasts; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt & pepper to taste; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 ounces cream cheese (a block of Philly), softened; 1/2 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3/4 cup chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Fresh chopped parsley, optional, to taste

If you’re looking for a meal that’s creamy, comforting, and ridiculously easy to make, you’re going to love this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that quickly became a favorite in my house because it feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes. Plus, that luscious cream cheese sauce? Seriously dreamy. Stick around—I’ll walk you through everything you need to make this skillet chicken magic happen with minimal fuss.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich Flavor: Cream cheese gives that silky, indulgent sauce you’ll want to spoon over everything.
Minimal Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples plus chicken—a recipe that’s as simple as it is delicious.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this one, and I bet yours will too!

A pan filled with four golden-brown cooked chicken pieces partially covered by a thick creamy white sauce with a smooth texture, speckled with small black pepper bits and finely chopped green herbs scattered evenly on top. The pan is light blue with sturdy handles, set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet, creamy chicken skillet recipe, easy chicken skillet dinner, quick chicken breast recipes, one-pan chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is in its simplicity: only a handful of ingredients that pair beautifully to create that creamy, savory sauce you’ll keep coming back to. Here are some tips on picking the best versions of each ingredient.

Flat lay of two large raw chicken breasts, a block of cream cheese cut into smaller pieces, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of melted butter, a small white bowl of light golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of Italian seasoning powder, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white bowl of garlic powder, three whole garlic bulbs with several peeled cloves, a medium yellow onion halved and chopped, a few sprigs of fresh parsley, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet, creamy chicken skillet recipe, easy chicken skillet dinner, quick chicken breast recipes, one-pan chicken recipes

Cream Cheese: Use full-fat and softened cream cheese for the best creamy consistency and flavor.
Chicken Breasts: Choose fresh, boneless skinless breasts and slice thinly so they cook evenly and quickly.
Garlic Powder: I like this for the initial seasoning but also use fresh garlic in the sauce for extra punch.
Butter & Olive Oil: Using both adds richness and helps with browning the chicken perfectly.
Onion: A sweet yellow or white onion works great here, sautéed until golden to add depth.
Garlic: Fresh is best to really wake up the sauce with its aromatic flavor.
Chicken Broth: This makes the sauce flavorful and smooth; low sodium lets you control the salt.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs keeps things simple but tasty—basil, oregano, thyme all work beautifully.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch gives a subtle kick without overpowering the creaminess.
Fresh Parsley (optional): Adds a bright color and freshness at the end that balances the rich sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe lends itself well to tweaks, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you want to spice it up, lighten it, or sneak in some veggies, it’s all good!

Add Veggies: I often toss in spinach or mushrooms after the onion has softened for some extra color and nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne if you like heat—you’ll love the balance.
Low Carb: Skip any flour-thickened sauces elsewhere and enjoy this as is; it’s naturally low carb and keto-friendly.
Dairy-Free Swap: I’ve experimented with cream cheese alternatives like cashew cream, but I’ll admit, it’s just not the same silky thick sauce!

How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cream Cheese and Chicken

Start by microwaving that cream cheese in short bursts—about 20 seconds at a time—until it’s super soft and easy to stir. This little trick makes melting it into your sauce a breeze. Meanwhile, slice your chicken breasts in half lengthwise. Thinner pieces cook faster and stay juicy. Season generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper so each bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering hot, add the chicken pieces—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook about 5-6 minutes per side, aiming for a golden crust. The best tip here is not to move the chicken around too much so you get that nice sear. When cooked through (internal temp 165°F), transfer the chicken to a plate and cover loosely.

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add your chopped onions to the skillet. Cook slowly for about 5-7 minutes until soft and golden—this step adds a natural sweetness that complements the cream cheese beautifully. Toss in the fresh minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds until fragrant—be careful not to burn it! Now stir in chicken broth, softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Keep stirring until you have a smooth, creamy sauce—patience here is key; it may take a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into that rich sauce. Warm everything through over low heat. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it gently with a splash more chicken broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you’re a parsley fan like me, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving to brighten it up visually and flavor-wise.

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Pro Tips for Making Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Softening Cream Cheese: Don’t rush this step—microwaving in small bursts and stirring helps avoid lumps in your sauce.
Chicken Thickness: Thinner chicken pieces cook evenly and stay tender without drying out.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Crowding causes steaming, not searing. Cook chicken in batches if needed for the perfect crust.
Leave Sauce to Simmer: Stir sauce gently over low heat for a few minutes to reach that perfect creamy texture.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it not only adds a pop of color but brightens the rich sauce just enough. You can also add a little grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch that my family goes wild for.

Side Dishes

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe pairs beautifully with garlic mashed potatoes, buttery egg noodles, or even a simple side of steamed green beans. I personally love serving it over cauliflower rice when I want to keep things light but still satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served this creamy chicken over a bed of wilted spinach and dotted with toasted pine nuts. It instantly elevates the dish and impresses guests without a lot of extra effort. Drizzling a bit of good-quality olive oil on top at the end adds a lovely sheen too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cream cheese chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens when chilled, so I like to loosen it slightly with chicken broth or a splash of water when reheating.

Freezing

This skillet recipe freezes well, though I recommend freezing just the chicken and sauce (without garnishes). Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop to keep that creamy texture intact.

Reheating

Reheat slowly over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. Adding a bit of broth or cream prevents the sauce from drying out and helps it loosen back to its deliciously creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly—they may take a few minutes longer than breasts to cook through.
Is it okay to substitute cream cheese with sour cream or heavy cream?

You can try substituting with sour cream or heavy cream, but the texture and tanginess will differ. Cream cheese gives a thick, velvety sauce that the others don’t quite match, so it’s best to stick with cream cheese if possible.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and non-dairy butter can be used, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will change. I recommend experimenting with vegan cream cheeses for a closer match to traditional cream cheese.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?

If your sauce ends up thinner than you like, simmer it gently over low heat to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, stirring in a small slurry of cornstarch and water can help, but be sure to add it gradually to avoid lumps.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe is one of those gems I keep coming back to whenever I want a stress-free dinner that feels indulgent but is actually super simple. I love how the creamy sauce hugs every bite of chicken, and it’s just so forgiving if you’re new to cooking skillet meals. You’ll enjoy how versatile and crowd-pleasing it is, trust me—I’m recommending this to you like I would to my closest friend. Give it a try and get ready to make it a regular in your dinner rotation!