Name: Cream Cheese Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts; 8 oz cream cheese; 1 cup chicken broth; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped parsley or chives (optional)

Cream Cheese Chicken is the comfort food your weeknight dinners have been waiting for. Picture tender chicken breasts simmered in a velvety, savory cream cheese sauce speckled with garlic, herbs, and smoky bacon. The richness of the sauce clings perfectly to the chicken, making each bite incredibly indulgent and deeply satisfying.

Whether you’re looking for something hearty to warm up a cool evening or a dish that effortlessly impresses dinner guests, this recipe checks every box. It comes together quickly in one skillet with pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken

Creamy, dreamy texture: The cream cheese creates an ultra-smooth, rich sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Family-friendly: Even picky eaters will devour this flavorful, cheesy chicken.
One-pan meal: Quick cleanup and perfect for busy nights.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to make it your own.
Keto-friendly option: Low in carbs and high in flavor, this recipe suits many dietary needs.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into cooking, let’s talk about the tools that make this Cream Cheese Chicken truly seamless:

Heavy-bottomed Skillet or Saute Pan: This helps evenly cook the chicken and prevents the creamy sauce from burning.
Tongs: Ideal for flipping the chicken without tearing the meat.
Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring the sauce to a silky consistency.
Instant-read Thermometer: Optional, but great for ensuring your chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
Cutting Board + Sharp Knife: For prepping the garlic, herbs, or additional mix-ins like bacon or veggies.

Using the right tools can make or break the dish—especially when dealing with a delicate cream-based sauce. Stick to nonstick or cast iron for best results and don’t rush the simmer; that’s where all the magic happens.

Ingredients for the Cream Cheese Chicken

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the hearty, lean protein base.
Cream Cheese: The star of the show, it adds luxurious texture and a mild tangy flavor.
Chicken Broth: Helps thin the sauce while infusing savory depth.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a hint of warmth and smokiness that enhances every bite.
Cooked Bacon: For salty, crispy pops of flavor throughout the sauce.
Parsley or Chives: Optional, but adds freshness and color contrast.
Olive Oil or Butter: For browning the chicken and adding richness to the base.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to bring out all the flavors.

How To Make the Cream Cheese Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a touch of smoked paprika. In a hot skillet with olive oil or butter, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown—about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Sauce

Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits for extra flavor. Then, stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Add Bacon and Simmer

Crumble in cooked bacon and mix well. Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning sauce over each piece. Cover and simmer on low for 8–10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh touch. Serve hot with mashed potatoes, pasta, or low-carb sides like cauliflower rice.

Serving and Storing Cream Cheese Chicken

Cream Cheese Chicken pairs perfectly with fluffy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. A side of roasted green beans or steamed broccoli rounds out the meal beautifully.

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s silkiness.

For freezing, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to bring in more heat.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and they work beautifully in this recipe.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the sauce and chicken up to 2 days in advance. Store separately and reheat together before serving.

What can I serve with Cream Cheese Chicken?

Great options include pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or even garlic bread for soaking up the sauce.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Definitely! Just portion it into containers with your favorite sides and reheat throughout the week.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You could try using dairy-free cream cheese and butter alternatives, though the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy chicken recipe, you’ll enjoy these delicious dishes too:

Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps for a handheld cheesy twist.
Golden Crispy Chicken with Parmesan Mushroom Sauce for a crispy-meets-creamy combo.
Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza when you want Greek flavors with a flatbread crunch.
Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese for comfort food on overdrive.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti if you love rich sauces with noodles.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or play with the heat level? Did you try it with a side of roasted cauliflower or garlic bread?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

👉 For more comfort food recipes I post daily, follow me on Pinterest @Americanrecipesbyheart — see what’s new in my kitchen every day!