why make this recipe
This dish is quick and easy. It uses simple store-bought ingredients. The sauce is creamy and tasty. You can make it on a busy weeknight. It pairs well with rice, pasta, or veggies.
introduction
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken is a simple skillet meal. You brown chicken and simmer it in a creamy ranch-cream cheese sauce. It needs little prep and few ingredients. The result is a rich, comforting dinner most people enjoy.
how to make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken in a hot skillet. Mix the cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning until smooth. Pour the sauce over the chicken and simmer on low. Stir a few times while it cooks so the sauce becomes creamy and warm. Finish when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce coats the pieces.
Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
- Serve hot with your choice of sides.
how to serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Serve over cooked rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes. Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and sides. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
how to store Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Let the dish cool to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on low in a skillet or microwave until hot. If the sauce is thick, add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
tips to make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
- Soften the cream cheese first so it mixes easily.
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use low heat when simmering to avoid curdling the sauce.
- Stir the sauce a few times while it cooks for a smooth texture.
- Check chicken internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
variation (if any)
- Add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the skillet for extra veggies.
- Use diced cooked ham or bacon for more flavor.
- Swap ranch mix for garlic and Italian seasoning for a different taste.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Thaw the chicken first. Cook thawed chicken the same way for best results.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Brown the chicken first, then add sauce ingredients and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option?
A: You can try a dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free broth, but texture and taste will change.
Q: Can I halve the recipe?
A: Yes. Reduce ingredients by half and shorten cooking time if needed.
Q: How do I keep the sauce smooth?
A: Mix cream cheese with warm broth until smooth before adding to the pan. Stir gently while simmering.
Conclusion
For a trusted version of this dish, you can compare notes with a Family Food on the Table recipe at Easy Cream Cheese Chicken – Family Food on the Table. If you want another home-cook take, see the Salt & Lavender approach at Easy Cream Cheese Chicken • Salt & Lavender. For a different twist and tips, check the Cream Cheese Chicken page at Cream Cheese Chicken | Don’t Go Bacon My Heart.
Easy Cream Cheese Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For cooking the chicken
- to taste Salt For seasoning
- to taste Pepper For seasoning
For the Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Soften before mixing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
- Cook chicken for about 5 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
Cooking
- In a bowl, mix together cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is creamy and heated through.
Serving
- Serve hot over cooked rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
- Spoon extra sauce over the chicken and sides. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like.
