Chicken cream cheese recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in the form of food. Its popularity spans across various cuisines due to its rich, creamy texture and the heartwarming satisfaction it delivers. This dish combines the tender juiciness of chicken with the lush, velvety feel of cream cheese, creating a perfect dinner option for both hectic weeknights and leisurely weekend dinners.
Ingredients Overview
To embark on making this luscious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- Cream cheese: 8 oz, regular or reduced-fat
- Mushrooms: 8 oz of fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
- Chicken broth: ¼ cup, low-sodium
- Mozzarella cheese: ½ cup, shredded
- Olive oil: 2 teaspoons
- Onion: 1 small, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Parsley: 3 tablespoons, chopped (optional for garnish)
How to make Chicken Cream Cheese recipe
Creating this cream cheese chicken involves a few simple steps:
Prep Ingredients:
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic.
- Cut the chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Mushrooms and Onion:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are slightly browned.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sear the Chicken:
- Increase the skillet’s heat to medium-high.
- Add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken strips are golden brown and nearly cooked through.
Add Cream Cheese and Broth:
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Finish with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese has melted.
For other chicken ideas, explore this recipe for Black Pepper Chicken which complements the creamy texture with a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Rice: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with steamed white or brown rice. For a quick rice cooking solution, consider VeeTee Rice, which cooks perfectly in just two minutes.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed broccoli or a mix of sautéed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Alternative Bases: Quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes also make excellent bases for this dish.
For a unique side, consider the Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes, which offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese such as Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Diet Adaptations: Adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by ensuring all ingredients are suitable, or make it keto-friendly by adjusting the side dishes to low-carb options.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is crucial, especially when it includes richer ingredients like cream cheese. This dish approximately contains:
- Calories: 436 per serving
- Total Fat: 19g
- Protein: 57g
Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Preparation: Chop veggies and slice chicken ahead to save time.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, ensuring it’s in a covered container.
- Reheating: Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to refresh the sauce.
FAQs
- What type of cream cheese is best? Full-fat cream cheese tends to melt better and add a richer flavor.
- Can I use a slow cooker? Yes, combining all ingredients in a slow cooker and setting it on low for 4-6 hours will yield a tender, flavorful dish.
- How can I make this recipe keto-friendly? Serve with a keto-friendly side like cauliflower rice and ensure the cream cheese and broth are low in carbs.
This detailed guide to making creamy chicken with cream cheese ensures that even a novice cook can prepare a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Enjoy the creamy goodness!
Chicken cream cheese recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 8 oz Cream cheese: regular or reduced-fat
- 8 oz Mushrooms fresh white button mushrooms, sliced
- ¼ cup Chicken broth
- ½ cup Mozzarella cheese: shredded
- 2 tsbp Olive oil
- 1 small Onion chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tsbp Parsley
Instructions
Prep Ingredients:
- Clean and slice the mushrooms.
- Chop the onion and mince the garlic
- Cut the chicken into strips and season with salt and pepper.
Cook Mushrooms and Onion:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and mushrooms. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and mushrooms are slightly browned.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sear the Chicken:
- Increase the skillet's heat to medium-high.
- Add the seasoned chicken strips. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the chicken strips are golden brown and nearly cooked through.
Add Cream Cheese and Broth:
- Reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
Finish with Mozzarella:
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken and sauce.
- Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let simmer for 2-3 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the cheese has melted.
Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the creamy chicken and sauce over steamed rice, garnished with chopped parsley if using.
