Cream Cheese Chicken with Garlic and Italian Herbs
Cream Cheese Chicken with Garlic and Italian Herbs is a quick and easy dinner recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream cheese, fresh garlic, and Italian herbs. This comforting and flavorful dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. It is protein-packed, family-friendly, and versatile for different dietary preferences.
- Author: Maria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add more olive oil if needed. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant but not browned, to release the garlic’s sweet aroma.
- Add Cream Cheese and Broth: Lower the heat and stir in softened cream cheese, melting it slowly while stirring to prevent clumps. Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the dried Italian herbs for added flavor.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon the sauce over them. Let simmer together for 3-5 minutes so the chicken absorbs the creamy garlic herb sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature before cooking to ensure it melts evenly.
- Do not overcook chicken breasts to maintain juiciness and tenderness.
- Use fresh garlic for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the amount of Italian herbs according to your taste preference.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken broth to incorporate browned bits for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: Cream Cheese Chicken, Garlic Chicken, Italian Herbs, Quick Dinner, Creamy Chicken, Weeknight Meal, Gluten Free