Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

1. Prepping the Chicken

• Start by seasoning 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step locks in the moisture while creating a beautiful crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

2. Making the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, add 1 cup chicken broth and 8 oz softened cream cheese. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
• Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, adjusting salt and pepper to taste.
• Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes to thicken it slightly.

3. Combining and Baking

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
• Place the seared chicken in the dish and pour the creamy sauce over it.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.

4. Garnishing for Presentation

• Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and a herby finish.

Tips for Best Results

• Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to 165°F without drying out.
• Whisk Thoroughly: Stir the sauce continuously while cooking to keep it silky and smooth.
• Customize Sauce Consistency: Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce gets too thick.

Tips for Customization and Variations

1. Alternative Proteins

• Swap chicken breasts with turkey cutlets, tofu, or boneless chicken thighs for a unique twist. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure doneness.

2. Adding Vegetables

• Toss in broccoli florets, spinach, or sliced mushrooms to add nutritional value and texture.
• Simply stir the vegetables into the sauce before baking for a one-dish meal.

3. Adjusting Seasoning for Different Cuisines

• For a Cajun flair, add paprika, cayenne pepper, and Creole seasoning to the spice mix.
• To give it a Mediterranean twist, include oregano, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice.

4. Low-Carb or Keto Adaptations

• Replace rice or potatoes with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the dish keto-friendly.
• Stick to low-carb cream cheese and use high-fat olive oil for enhanced keto compatibility.