Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Quick Cozy Dinner

Name: Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Quick Cozy Dinner
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 small onion, chopped; 8 ounces white button mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch strips; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 4 ounces cream cheese (regular or reduced fat); ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth; ¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Cooked rice for serving, optional; Fresh chopped parsley for garnish, optional

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Easy Cream Cheese Chicken fills your kitchen with the smell of garlic, onions, and bubbling cheese in just 30 minutes. On busy weeknights, I reach for this recipe because it feels comforting yet simple. The creamy sauce hugs every bite of tender chicken, and honestly, it saves dinner when time feels tight.
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken brings rich flavor without complicated steps. You only need a handful of everyday ingredients, and then dinner comes together fast. As a result, you get a creamy, savory meal that tastes like you cooked all day.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Flavor and Texture Highlights

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken delivers a creamy, savory sauce that coats every strip of chicken. Because the cream cheese melts right into the broth, it creates a smooth texture that feels rich but not heavy.
Meanwhile, the mushrooms add a soft bite and earthy flavor. Then the mozzarella melts over the top, adding a gentle stretch that makes each forkful satisfying.

Quick Prep and Cook Time

This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So in just 30 minutes, dinner lands on the table.
First, you chop the onion and slice the mushrooms. Then you cut the chicken into strips, which helps it cook faster and more evenly. As a result, you avoid long wait times.

Who This Recipe Is Perfect For

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken works perfectly for busy families. However, it also fits meal prep since it stores well for several days.
If you want a high protein dinner that still feels cozy, this recipe checks that box. In fact, each serving packs about 42 grams of protein.

Ingredients for Easy Cream Cheese Chicken

Key Ingredients Explained

You need 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil to start. It helps soften the onion and mushrooms while building flavor.
Next, use 1 small chopped onion and 8 ounces of sliced white button mushrooms. They create a savory base. Then add 2 cloves of minced garlic for aroma.
For the star, use 1½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch strips. Season with ¾ teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
The creamy sauce comes from 4 ounces of cream cheese and ¼ cup low sodium chicken broth. Finally, top with ¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Optional Ingredients and Easy Swaps

You can skip the mushrooms if you prefer. The Easy Cream Cheese Chicken still tastes rich and comforting.
You may use regular or reduced fat cream cheese. However, avoid fat free versions because they can change the texture.
Serve this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken over rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. Fresh parsley adds a bright finish.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken (Step by Step)

Sautéing the Aromatics

First, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms.
Cook until they soften and release moisture. After that, stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Cooking the Chicken

Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper. Then raise the heat slightly and add the chicken to the skillet.
Cook until browned on all sides. Meanwhile, stir occasionally so the pieces cook evenly.

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next, add the cream cheese and chicken broth directly into the pan. Stir continuously as the cream cheese melts.
Soon, a smooth, creamy sauce forms and coats the chicken. As a result, the skillet fills with rich aroma.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Sprinkle mozzarella over the top. Then cover the skillet and reduce the heat.
Cook until the chicken cooks through and the cheese melts. Finally, taste and adjust seasoning. Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken hot over rice and garnish with parsley if desired.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in skillet with mushrooms and creamy sauce — Creamy Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with mushrooms in a rich garlic sauce

Recipe Tips for Best Results

How to Cut Chicken for Fast, Even Cooking

Slice chicken breasts into 1 inch strips. Because thinner pieces cook faster, you prevent dry spots.
Also, try to keep pieces similar in size. Then everything finishes cooking at the same time.

Cream Cheese Tips for the Smoothest Sauce

Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for a few minutes before adding it. As a result, it melts more smoothly.
Stir gently but consistently. Therefore, you avoid lumps and create a velvety sauce for your Easy Cream Cheese Chicken.

Adjusting Sauce Thickness

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. Then stir until it loosens.
If it feels too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. Meanwhile, the sauce naturally thickens.

Variations and Customizations

Ingredient Add Ins

You can stir in spinach at the end for added greens. It wilts quickly in the warm sauce.
Sun dried tomatoes also add a slightly sweet, tangy bite.

Protein or Vegetable Swaps

You may swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs. If you love thighs, try my Creamy Oven Baked Chicken Thighs for another cozy dinner idea.
For a different flavor twist, you could even try something bold like Crockpot Salsa Verde Chicken on another night.

Ways to Adjust Richness or Flavor

Add red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Or stir in a spoonful of grated Parmesan for deeper flavor. Meanwhile, fresh herbs brighten the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Best Sides to Serve With Cream Cheese Chicken

Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken over fluffy white rice for a classic option.
You can also spoon it over quinoa or creamy mashed potatoes. Meanwhile, steamed broccoli or green beans balance the richness.
If you enjoy stuffed chicken flavors, you might also love Flavorful Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe or Mouthwatering Boursin Cheese Chicken for another creamy dinner.

How to Garnish for Maximum Flavor

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right before serving. It adds color and freshness.
A squeeze of lemon also brightens the creamy sauce.
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken makes 4 servings. Each serving contains about 318 calories, around 42 grams of protein, about 8 grams of carbohydrates, and roughly 13 grams of fat including about 5 grams saturated fat. It also provides approximately 788 milligrams of sodium and about 947 milligrams of potassium. Because it stays high in protein and moderate in carbs, it fits well into balanced meal planning. Pair it with vegetables and whole grains for a complete plate.
For more weeknight ideas and visual inspiration, follow along on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/kai_recipes/ and join the community on Facebook at https://web.facebook.com/kairecipe/.

Storage and Reheating Guide

Refrigeration and Shelf Life

Store leftover Easy Cream Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 4 to 5 days.

How to Reheat Without Splitting the Sauce

Reheat gently in the microwave in short intervals. Stir between each interval.
Add a small splash of broth if needed. Then heat just until warmed through.

Why Freezing Is Not Recommended

Freezing Easy Cream Cheese Chicken can cause the sauce to separate. Therefore, I do not recommend freezing this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cook chicken in cream cheese?

Yes, you can cook chicken in cream cheese. In fact, Easy Cream Cheese Chicken shows how cream cheese melts into broth and creates a smooth sauce while the chicken finishes cooking.

Can I use cream cheese to marinate chicken?

You can coat chicken in cream cheese as a marinade. However, for best texture, cook it as part of a sauce like in Easy Cream Cheese Chicken instead of using it alone overnight.

Why do they call it marry me chicken?

People call it marry me chicken because the creamy, rich flavor impresses guests. The taste feels so comforting and bold that it supposedly inspires proposals. If you love that idea, try Tasty Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a similar flavor vibe.

What goes well with chicken and cream cheese?

Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables pair well. Because the sauce tastes creamy and savory, simple sides balance the dish perfectly.

More Such Recipes

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken served over rice with broccoli — Easy Cream Cheese Chicken served with fluffy rice and fresh broccoli

Conclusion

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken proves that simple ingredients can create a creamy, satisfying dinner in just 30 minutes. Because it cooks quickly and stores well, it fits real life. So when you need comfort without extra effort, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken belongs on your weekly menu.

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