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When making a Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet, you need simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s the list: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature - 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred) - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients come together to create a rich and tasty meal. The chicken gives a nice protein base. Cream cheese adds a creamy texture that pairs well with the fresh spinach and tomatoes. Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps the dish balanced and tasty. Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This helps it melt easily into the sauce. Fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes bring color and nutrition. Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch to the dish. Gather these items before you start cooking. This way, you can focus on making a delicious meal. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure to coat both sides evenly. Uniform seasoning helps the chicken cook with great flavor throughout. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Cook each side for about 6-7 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove the chicken and keep it warm on a plate. Lower the heat to medium. Now, add 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the same skillet. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth slowly. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a rich and creamy sauce. This mixture binds the flavors together nicely. It's time to add some color and nutrition. Toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. This step releases their bright flavors. Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Spoon the creamy sauce and vegetables over the chicken. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes. This lets all the flavors meld together beautifully. When ready, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For serving, you can dish it directly from the skillet or transfer it to a nice serving dish. Pair it with crusty bread or fluffy rice for a complete meal. To get the right creamy sauce, start with softened cream cheese. Cold cream cheese can lead to lumps. Mix it with chicken broth on low heat. Stir slowly to blend them well. The sauce should be smooth and thick. If it feels too thick, add a bit more broth. To avoid lumps, take your time when stirring. A whisk works great for mixing. If you still see lumps, use an immersion blender. This tool can make the sauce silky. To boost flavor, try adding spices like paprika or cayenne. A pinch of Italian herbs can also add depth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme work wonders too. They bring a fresh taste that pairs well with cream cheese. Balancing the richness is key. A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can help. This acidity cuts through the creaminess and brightens the dish. It makes every bite more exciting. Always check the chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer. The safe temp is 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is cooked well and safe to eat. For juicy chicken, do not overcook it. Keep an eye on the cooking time. Sear each side for 6-7 minutes. Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes helps keep it moist. This simple step makes a big difference in taste. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Ensure the chicken breasts are all of similar thickness for even cooking. If necessary, pound them to an even thickness before seasoning. Customize the Sauce: Feel free to add a splash of white wine or lemon juice to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor that complements the creaminess. Vegetable Variations: You can substitute the spinach and tomatoes with other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for a different twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove to retain creaminess. {{image_4}} You can easily swap ingredients to match your taste. Try turkey or chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs offer more flavor and stay juicy. If you want different veggies, consider bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These choices add color and taste. Use what you like best! Experiment with different cheeses for a new twist. Cream cheese is great, but cheddar or feta can change the dish. You can also add spices or marinades before cooking. Garlic, paprika, or even a dash of mustard can enhance flavor. Infusing these elements makes the dish even more exciting. You don’t have to stick to the skillet. An oven-baked version works well, too. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), then bake the chicken in a dish with the cream cheese and broth for about 25-30 minutes. For a slow cooker, add all the ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This method makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. To keep your Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet fresh, store leftovers right away. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This helps avoid drying out. I recommend using glass containers. They are durable and do not retain odors. When reheating, use the stovetop for the best results. Low heat works well to warm it up slowly. Stir often to prevent sticking. Add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the creaminess intact and delicious. You can freeze this dish! First, let it cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Make sure to label it with the date. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned above for a tasty meal. A Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet is a creamy, one-pan dish that features chicken, cream cheese, and fresh veggies. This dish cooks quickly and uses simple ingredients. It has gained popularity for its rich flavor and easy cleanup. The silky sauce from cream cheese and broth coats the chicken and veggies, making each bite delicious. Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. However, it may change the texture a bit. Low-fat cream cheese might not melt as smoothly. The flavor can also be less rich, but it still works well in this dish. You can serve a variety of sides with this chicken skillet. Here are some great ideas: - Steamed rice - Crusty bread - Roasted vegetables - A fresh green salad These sides pair well with the creamy chicken and add color to your plate. This dish takes about 30 minutes in total. You will spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients. Cooking the chicken and making the sauce takes around 20 minutes. This quick time makes it great for busy weeknights. Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. Just keep the chicken and sauce in a good container. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal anytime! This recipe shows you how to make a creamy chicken skillet with ease. We covered all ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to perfect flavor and texture. Variations let you customize the dish to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. This meal is perfect for busy days and impressing guests. Try it out and enjoy the creamy goodness!

Creamy Dream Chicken Skillet

A rich and creamy chicken dish cooked in a skillet with spinach and tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and black pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
  • Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, keeping it warm.
  • Make the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the softened cream cheese directly into the same skillet. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends seamlessly with the broth, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
  • Add Vegetables: Incorporate the roughly chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes into the skillet. Cook the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes have softened slightly, releasing their flavors.
  • Combine: Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce and vegetables over the chicken. Allow it to simmer together for an additional 5 minutes, letting the flavors combine beautifully.
  • Serve: After everything is thoroughly heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Serve with crusty bread or over rice for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, creamy, easy, skillet