Print

Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

5 from 148 reviews

This Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts coated in a flavorful seasoned cornstarch mixture, seared to golden perfection, and simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with cream cheese, Parmesan, and a touch of garlic and onion. Garnished with fresh parsley, this dish offers a comforting and delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 4 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • ½ tablespoon water
  • ½ to 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seasoned coating: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and smoked sweet paprika until well combined.
  2. Flatten the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently flatten with a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking and tender meat texture.
  3. Season and coat the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, then coat evenly with the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.
  4. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove chicken and set aside, wiping excess grease from the skillet.
  5. Sauté aromatics: Keep 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Melt butter and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
  6. Deglaze the skillet: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom with a spatula, stirring to combine.
  7. Create the creamy sauce: Add cream cheese, breaking into pieces, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined.
  8. Adjust sauce consistency and seasoning: If desired, gradually add water and soy sauce to thin the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, considering the saltiness of Parmesan cheese.
  9. Reheat chicken in sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer gently for 20 to 30 seconds, flipping once, until chicken is warmed through and coated with the sauce.
  10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add freshness and color.

Notes

  • Flattening the chicken tenderizes the meat and ensures even cooking throughout.
  • The cornstarch coating helps seal moisture inside the chicken, keeping it juicy and tender.
  • Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for safe consumption.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from drying out.
  • Season the sauce after adding Parmesan cheese to control saltiness and avoid over-salting.

Keywords: cream cheese chicken skillet, creamy chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, stovetop chicken recipe, chicken with cream cheese sauce