If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy dish that comes together quickly and doesn’t require a long list of ingredients, this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Packed with tender chicken strips sautéed with mushrooms and onions, then wrapped in a luscious cream cheese sauce, it’s a surefire way to impress your taste buds without stress. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or craving something cozy and satisfying, this recipe delivers every time with rich flavor and simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round copper pan sits on a white marbled surface with a blue and white striped cloth nearby. Inside the pan, there are seven pieces of light brown cooked chicken arranged in a circle with some spaced out. Around and under the chicken, there is a layer of cooked mushrooms and small white onion pieces, both lightly browned. The chicken has a slightly shiny and grilled texture, with spots of golden color. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, combining to create a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Each one plays a key role—olive oil for a golden sauté, mushrooms for earthiness, and cream cheese for that signature creamy texture that makes this dish irresistible.

Extra-virgin olive oil (2 teaspoons): Use a good quality oil to get a nice sear and bring out the flavors of the veggies.
Small onion, chopped (1): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce.
White button mushrooms, sliced (8 oz.): Brings an earthy, meaty texture that complements the chicken beautifully.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Essential for a burst of aroma and that classic savory backbone.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut in strips (1 ½ lbs.): Tender protein that soaks up the creamy sauce perfectly.
Kosher salt (¾ teaspoon): Seasoning to bring out all the natural flavors.
Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just a mild kick to balance the richness.
Plain cream cheese (4 oz., regular or reduced-fat): The star ingredient that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
Low-sodium chicken broth (¼ cup): Helps melt the cream cheese into a smooth sauce while keeping sodium in check.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (¼ to ½ cup): Melts into a gooey topping that finishes the dish with cheesy goodness.
Steamed brown or white rice (for serving): The perfect base to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Chopped fresh parsley (3 tablespoons, optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant burst of color and flavor before serving.

How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms, cooking them together for about 4 to 5 minutes until they soften and begin to caramelize. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds to release that irresistible fragrant punch—this base creates a flavorful foundation that works wonders with the creamy sauce coming up.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

While your veggies are sizzling, slice the chicken breasts into uniform strips so they cook evenly. Season them generously with kosher salt and black pepper, letting the seasoning complement rather than overpower. Turn the heat up to medium-high and add the chicken strips to your skillet, spreading them out so each piece gets contact with the pan’s surface. Sear for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until every strip is beautifully golden with caramelized edges. This step locks in juices and layers in flavor.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magic! Lower the heat slightly and stir in the cream cheese and chicken broth. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to melt and blend until the sauce is silky smooth, coating the chicken and vegetables in creamy goodness. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the skillet, cover with a lid, and let everything cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes. The cheese melts to create a luscious top layer while ensuring the chicken finishes cooking through — which should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit if measured.

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give the dish a taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Those little tweaks at the end make a huge difference, so trust your palate. Serve the creamy chicken and mushrooms hot, ladled generously over steamed rice, garnished with fresh parsley if you like. The rice is essential as it soaks up the sauce, making sure every bite is packed with that creamy richness in this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe.

How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe

A white plate with three pieces of chicken covered in creamy light beige mushroom sauce sprinkled with small green herb bits, placed over a bed of golden-brown fluffy rice. On the right side of the plate, bright green broccoli florets are neatly arranged. A silver fork lies near the broccoli on the plate. The plate sits on a stack of folded green and blue cloth napkins on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a lovely pop of green and a subtle brightness that cuts through the creaminess. For an extra touch, you can add a few freshly cracked black pepper flakes on top for a bit of texture and spice.

Side Dishes

While steamed rice is classic, feel free to experiment with quinoa or even roasted vegetables for a different twist. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, serve this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe family-style right in the skillet, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, plate it beautifully with a side of colorful roasted carrots or asparagus, drizzling a little of that creamy sauce over everything for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as tasty, if not better. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

If you want to freeze this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that cream cheese sauces may change texture slightly upon thawing but will still taste delicious.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to bring the sauce back to its silky state. If you’re in a hurry, microwave in short bursts at medium power, stirring in between to prevent separation. Adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you want extra juicy and flavorful meat. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

While cream cheese is key to the creamy texture, you can try substituting with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and plant-based mozzarella. The flavor and texture will change a bit, but it can still be delicious.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions and mushrooms at the beginning for best results.

What’s the best way to know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The safest and most accurate method is to use a meat thermometer and check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Definitely! Just use a larger skillet or cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. The flavors will be just as incredible, and it’s perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe that makes it a go-to for busy nights when you still want a delicious, homemade meal. It’s simple, flavorful, and creamy without being fussy. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to this cozy favorite—you won’t regret it.

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken Recipe