Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a quick and creamy skillet dish featuring tender chicken strips cooked with sautéed mushrooms and onions, all coated in a rich cream cheese sauce and topped with melted mozzarella. Perfectly paired with steamed rice, this comforting meal is simple to prepare in about 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce and Cheese
- 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
To Serve
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the extra-virgin olive oil to warm up.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until they soften. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Prepare the chicken: While the vegetables cook, slice the boneless skinless chicken breasts into strips and season them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Sear the chicken: Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken strips to the skillet. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, turning once until the chicken is golden brown on all sides.
- Add cream cheese sauce: Lower the heat slightly and stir in the cream cheese and chicken broth until the cream cheese melts and combines into a creamy sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly on top, cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over steamed brown or white rice and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
- Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian herbs when seasoning the chicken.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
