Imagine it’s a busy weeknight and you’re hungry for a comforting meal fast. You’ve just gotten home from work and don’t want to spend hours cooking. This chicken cream cheese recipe is your answer. It combines juicy chicken with a creamy cheese sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Do you remember those cozy family dinners from your childhood? The ones that felt like a warm hug in a bowl? This recipe brings back those feelings. It’s not only tasty but also easy to make, perfect for a quick easy chicken dinner.
Key Takeaways
- Serves 2 people with a calorie count of 766kcal per serving.
- Cooking time is just 20 minutes, with total prep taking only 30 minutes.
- The dish combines chicken breasts with a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, ensuring quick and easy preparation.
- Stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a tasty chicken enchilada recipe with cream cheese, you need the right ingredients. Knowing what you need for chicken recipes makes cooking fun and easy. Here, we list the key ingredients for cream cheese chicken into different groups.
Chicken
The main protein in this recipe is chicken breast. Use 1 ½ lbs. of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips. This makes the dish full of protein and keeps it tender and juicy.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is the star of this dish. You can choose regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese. Both will give you that creamy texture we all love in a chicken enchilada recipe with cream cheese.
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 teaspoons of extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper as per taste
- Optional: Italian seasoning or parsley for garnish
These spices add a lot of flavor. They enhance the taste of the cream cheese and chicken, making it even better.
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
Adding vegetables to your dish is good for nutrition and flavor. It makes the dish more complex and interesting.
Cheese and Garnishing
No creamy chicken dish is complete without cheese and garnishes. Use shredded mozzarella cheese for that gooey, melty texture. Chopped fresh parsley adds color and fresh flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Extra-virgin olive oil | 2 tsp | For sautéing vegetables and chicken |
| Chicken breast | 1 ½ lbs | Boneless, skinless, cut into strips |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Regular or reduced-fat |
| Onion | 1 small | Chopped finely |
| White button mushrooms | 8 oz | Sliced thinly |
| Garlic | 2 cloves | Minced |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup | For a melty texture |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Learning to make tasty chicken and cream cheese crock pot recipes starts with knowing how to prepare them. Follow these steps to make a dish that tastes great and looks good too.
Preparing the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices. Sear the chicken in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes on each side. This step locks in moisture and adds a golden color.
This searing is key to cooking cream cheese chicken. It creates a delicious base for the recipe.
Making the Creamy Sauce
While the chicken rests, sauté chopped onions and mushrooms in the same pan. Cook until they’re soft and smell great. Then, add cream cheese and chicken broth.
Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, rich sauce. This sauce is the heart of most cream cheese chicken recipes. It adds a creamy texture and savory taste.
Combining and Cooking
Put the seared chicken and creamy sauce in a crock pot or slow cooker. Add garlic powder, paprika, and thyme for extra flavor. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
This slow cooking method is perfect for chicken and cream cheese crock pot. It keeps the chicken tender and juicy, soaking up all the sauce’s flavors.
Final Touches and Serving
Before serving, make sure the chicken is 165°F to ensure it’s cooked through. Top with chopped parsley or herbs for color and freshness. Serve over steamed rice or grains to balance the dish’s richness.
Enjoy the mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
Chicken Cream Cheese Recipe Variations
Exploring different chicken recipe variations can add a fun twist to your meals. Whether you prefer slow cooker cream cheese chicken or baked cream cheese chicken, there are many ways to make it exciting. Here are some tasty ideas to get you started:
- Vegetable Variations: Add broccoli, peas, or spinach to boost nutrition and flavor. These veggies complement the creamy cheese beautifully.
- Cheese Choices: Try goat cheese or mascarpone for a unique taste. Each cheese adds a special flavor to every bite.
- Spices and Herbs: Add tarragon or parsley for a fragrant twist. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking for spice.
Cooking methods can also introduce wonderful variety:
- Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken: This method deepens flavors and keeps chicken moist. Just follow the steps but use a slow cooker for a tender result.
- Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Baking adds a crispy texture that contrasts with the creamy cheese. Follow the steps, then bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
The slow cooker cream cheese chicken is great for busy days. Prepare your ingredients, set the slow cooker, and let it work while you’re busy.
Here’s a table comparing nutritional details for these chicken recipe variations:
| Method | Calories | Carbohydrates (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Cream Cheese Chicken | 488kcal | 8g | 33g | 36g |
| Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken | 397kcal | 6g | 28g | 29g |
| Baked Cream Cheese Chicken | 430kcal | 7g | 30g | 32g |
Don’t be afraid to try these chicken recipe variations. You might find your new favorite way to make this dish even more delicious!
Tips for Using a Crock Pot or Slow Cooker
Using a crock pot or slow cooker makes cooking cheesy chicken easy and tasty. Here are some key tips to make sure your meals are perfect every time:
Preparing Ingredients for Slow Cooking
Begin by arranging your ingredients wisely. Place the chicken at the bottom, making sure it’s thawed to avoid safety issues. Then, add spices and vegetables to spread flavors evenly. Finally, add cream cheese for a creamy texture that goes well with the chicken.
Cooking Time and Temperature Settings
The cooking time and temperature greatly affect your dish’s taste and texture. Use low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours to make the chicken tender and flavorful. Chicken thighs are great because they stay juicy, unlike chicken breasts.
Finishing Touches When Using a Slow Cooker
Before serving, mix in fresh herbs or more cheese for extra flavor. This step boosts both taste and presentation. Try using Neufchatel cheese for a healthier option that’s still delicious.
| Nutritional Information Per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 |
| Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Protein | 44g |
| Fat | 53g |
| Saturated Fat | 26g |
| Cholesterol | 275mg |
| Sodium | 1102mg |
| Vitamin A | 1430IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.6mg |
| Calcium | 297mg |
| Iron | 1.9mg |
Accurate nutrition info is key for those on special diets. Always check values yourself when needed. Have fun trying new ingredients and flavors, and let your crock pot do the work!
Substitutions and Customizations
Healthy chicken recipes are great because you can change them to fit your needs and likes. We’ll look at different ingredients and ways to make your creamy chicken cheese delight both healthy and tasty.
Alternative Ingredients for a Healthier Option
Want a healthier version? Try using Greek yogurt or low-fat cheese instead of cream cheese. These options are lower in fat but still creamy.
- Chicken: Use chicken thighs or turkey instead of chicken breasts.
- Cream Cheese: Swap with Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Broth: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Substitute Spices and Herbs
Customizable chicken dishes are awesome because you can add different spices and herbs. For a spicy kick, try paprika, cumin, or fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary. Each adds a special flavor.
For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes!
Customizing the Sauce
The sauce is key in this dish, and you can change it up a lot. Use almond milk or coconut cream to make it dairy-free. Try different sauces like cream of mushroom or tomato basil for a new taste.
| Current Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | Greek Yogurt |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable Broth |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | Cream of Mushroom Soup |
| Dry Ranch Seasoning | Italian Dressing (half bottle) |
With these substitutions, you can make this dish healthier without losing flavor. Enjoy making it your own!
Serving Suggestions
Serving chicken cream cheese is more fun with the right sides and drinks. Whether it’s a family dinner or a party, these ideas will make your meal complete.
Pairing with Sides
Choose sides that match the creamy chicken. Here are some great meal pairing ideas:
- Roasted vegetables: carrots, broccoli, or bell peppers
- Quinoa or brown rice for a healthy grain option
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a rich, comforting side
Beverage Recommendations
The right drink can make your meal better. For creamy chicken, try:
- A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
- A light beer that won’t overpower the flavors
- Sparkling water with a twist of lemon for a refreshing non-alcoholic option
Making a Complete Meal
To have a balanced meal, mix different parts. A complete meal could be:
- Main dish: Cream Cheese Chicken
- Primary side: Roasted vegetables or a hearty salad
- Secondary side: A grain like quinoa or a starch such as mashed potatoes
- Beverage: A crisp white wine or sparkling water
These ideas will make your chicken cream cheese meal a hit. Your guests will love it, making the meal unforgettable.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Enjoying your creamy chicken cheese delight again is easy if you know how to store and reheat leftovers. It’s important to keep the flavor and texture right.
Proper Storage Techniques
Transfer leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. This keeps your meal fresh for up to 4-5 days. It’s key to keep the fridge at a steady temperature to avoid spoilage.
For more tips on storing chicken meals, check out this storing chicken meals resource.
Reheating Tips
Choosing the right method for reheating chicken is crucial. Warm leftovers gently in the microwave or on the stove. Adding chicken broth or water refreshes the sauce.
Make sure to reheat all parts of the dish evenly. This ensures it’s safe and tastes great.
Avoiding Common Reheating Mistakes
Don’t reheat too quickly or with high heat. This can dry out the chicken and separate the sauce. Slow, gentle reheating is best.
Also, avoid microwaving for too long. It can make the meat tough. For the best results, reheat in short bursts and stir in between.
By following these steps, your creamy chicken cheese delight will taste just as good the second time. Whether you’re having a quick meal or getting creative with leftovers, these tips will help.
Conclusion
Looking for a tasty chicken recipe that everyone will love? The creamy chicken cheese delight is perfect. It only needs 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, 8 ounces of cream cheese, and ½ cup of Parmesan cheese. This dish is rich in flavor and has a great texture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F and bake for 30-45 minutes. This ensures a delicious meal that pairs well with many sides. You’ll have a complete dining experience.
Want to make it healthier? Add broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach to your dish. This recipe is great for different diets, making it a favorite for easy dinners. You can store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze them for 2-3 months.
For a stress-free cooking experience, try using a crock pot or slow cooker. This method keeps the dish creamy and flavorful.
Whether it’s a quick weeknight meal or a family dinner, this dish is a winner. Check out the full recipe here for more details. Customize it to make it your own special dish. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!