Introduction: A Family Favorite, Summer-Ready
When the summer heat rolls in, my kitchen transforms. I look for recipes that are creamy, delicious, and easy enough to enjoy with friends and family out on the patio. This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is inspired by my American grandmother, who always believed comfort food shouldn’t be reserved for winter alone! She would often whip up this dish on lazy Sunday afternoons, serving it with a crisp green salad and fresh bread. What makes this recipe truly special is the luxurious combination of tender chicken, a tangy cream cheese sauce, and a hint of summer herbs. It’s a dish that balances creamy richness with bright, fresh flavors—perfect for sunny days and al fresco dining.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe
- Quick and easy: No need to spend hours in the kitchen—this dish comes together in under an hour!
- Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Serve it with salad, rice, pasta, or even in wraps.
- Perfect for gatherings: Makes 6 generous servings, ideal for summer cookouts.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 lbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
For the Cream Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh chives or green onions, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings & Sides
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Sliced cherry tomatoes
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Serve with: rice, pasta, or a crisp summer salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish. - Season:
Pat the chicken breasts dry. Rub both sides with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. - Sear (optional, but recommended):
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden (they don’t need to be cooked through). This adds extra flavor! - Arrange:
Place the seared (or raw) chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish in a single layer.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Sauce
- Sauté Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add butter, then garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Combine:
Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it begins to melt. Add sour cream, chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, Parmesan, mozzarella, basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. - Mix Until Smooth:
Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more broth. - Add Fresh Herbs:
Fold in chives (or green onions) and parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
3. Assemble & Bake
- Top the Chicken:
Pour the warm cream cheese sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish. - Bake:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is bubbly and slightly golden at the edges. - Rest:
Let the dish sit for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving easier.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Serve the chicken over fluffy rice or your favorite pasta.
- Light & Fresh: Pair with a crisp summer salad—think arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Family-Style: Shred the chicken and serve in soft wraps or pita with lettuce and extra sauce.
- Vegetable Side: Roasted zucchini, asparagus, or corn on the cob make perfect sides.
Tips for the Perfect Cream Cheese Chicken
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Makes blending much easier!
- Sear for Flavor: Searing adds a golden crust and boosts flavor.
- Customize: Add cooked spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for a twist.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the sauce a day in advance and store in the fridge.
FAQs About Cream Cheese Chicken
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust the baking time as needed.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as written! Just double-check that your chicken broth and cheeses are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes—cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 2g
The Perfect Summer Gathering Dish
One bite of this Cream Cheese Chicken and you’ll know why it’s become a staple in my family’s summer rotation. Whether you’re serving it at a backyard BBQ or a laid-back weeknight dinner, it brings everyone to the table with a smile. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with the freshness of summer herbs—this is comfort food with a sunny twist.
I’d love to hear how you make this dish your own! Leave a comment with your favorite add-ins or serving ideas, and don’t forget to tag your photos with #CreamCheeseChickenRecipe on social media.
Explore More Delicious Desserts
- Love tropical flavors? Try these Coconut Cream Pie Cupcakes for a sweet twist on a classic.
- Planning a special celebration? Get inspired with our Graduation Cupcake Decorating Guide: Tips & Ideas.
- For romantic occasions, bake the charming Heart Cake: Bake Love Into Every Slice.
- Chocolate lovers should check out this decadent Chocolate Olive Oil Cake.
- Bundt cake fans will love our Ultimate Bundt Cake Guide for tips and recipes.
- If you like brownies, don’t miss the Slutty Brownie Recipe: Ultimate Guide to Layered Dessert Bliss and Red Velvet Brownies.
- For smaller batches, make Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies or colorful Ube Crinkle Cookies Recipe.
Cream Cheese Chicken
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts cut into halves or thick slices
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese softened, cut into cubes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs or oregano
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add chicken broth to the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Return chicken to skillet, coat in sauce, and simmer for 3–4 minutes to heat through.
- Top with parmesan and parsley before serving. Enjoy with pasta, rice, or veggies.
Notes
Conclusion: Cream Cheese Chicken—Your New Summer Staple
There’s nothing quite like a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and ease to your summer table. This Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, cheesy, and balanced with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon for that bright, sunny touch. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for a quick and satisfying dinner for your family, this recipe promises to deliver smiles all around.
The beauty of this dish is in its versatility—serve it over rice, pasta, or alongside a crisp garden salad, and don’t be afraid to make it your own with your favorite add-ins. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with seasonal vegetables, making it easy to adapt as your summer garden changes.
Give this Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe a try and see why it’s quickly becoming a beloved classic in American summer kitchens. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, just like it has in mine!
If you loved this recipe or gave it your own twist, share your results in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your family stories. Happy cooking, and here’s to many delicious summer meals ahead!
