Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe

If you’re craving a comfort meal that’s both indulgent and delightfully simple, then you absolutely have to try this Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, velvety sauce made from cream cheese and sharp cheddar, perfectly seasoned with garlic and onion powders. Each bite promises a creamy, flavorful experience that feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component has a role, whether it’s for flavor, creaminess, or a perfectly balanced texture that makes this skillet meal so memorable.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing lean, juicy meat that soaks up all those rich flavors.
• 8 ounces cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess and a subtle tang that transforms the sauce.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooey texture that melds beautifully with the cream cheese.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Helps loosen the sauce and keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with comforting garlic aroma and flavor.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and mellows out the robust garlic taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle kick that balances the richness of the sauces.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the chicken to golden-brown perfection.

How to Make Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Skillet and Add Olive Oil

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat so it gets nice and hot. Add the olive oil, which will help create a beautiful sear on the chicken breasts, locking in moisture and flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breasts

Once your oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Let them sizzle without moving for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. This ensures a golden crust forms while the inside becomes tender and juicy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F for perfect doneness.

Step 3: Remove the Chicken and Set Aside

When the chicken is cooked through, transfer the breasts to a plate. Setting them aside allows you to create the luscious sauce in the same skillet, capturing all those delicious browned bits left behind.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pan with Chicken Broth

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the skillet to lift all those flavorful cooked-on bits. This simple step is a game-changer, enriching the sauce and intensifying the dish’s savory notes.

Step 5: Melt in the Cream Cheese

Turn the heat down to low and add the cream cheese. Stir gently as it melts and blends with the broth, transforming into a silky smooth sauce that’s absolutely irresistible.

Step 6: Add the Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Once the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar. Stir constantly to incorporate the cheddar until the sauce is creamy, rich, and luscious in every spoonful.

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Enhance the flavor profile by adding the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these spices into the sauce, making sure every bite carries that perfect balance of savory and aromatic goodness.

Step 8: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Place the cooked chicken breasts back in the skillet, nestling them into the creamy cheese sauce. Turn them gently to coat each piece, allowing the sauce to cling and seep into the meat for the next few minutes of simmering.

Step 9: Simmer and Finish Cooking

Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes on low heat. This step thickens the sauce slightly and helps the chicken absorb all those delicious flavors.

Step 10: Ready to Serve

Once the chicken is heated through and the sauce has reached the perfect creamy consistency, remove the skillet from heat. Spoon extra sauce over the top, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate comfort food.

How to Serve Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a fresh herby note that cuts through the richness beautifully. A few red pepper flakes can bring a little heat an exciting flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. For something heartier, creamy risotto or buttered noodles soak up the sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish over a bed of garlic-infused cauliflower rice or atop roasted vegetables for extra texture and flavor layers. You can also plate it in a rustic cast-iron skillet to keep it warm and add a cozy, homemade feel to your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days and tastes just as comforting when reheated.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a fantastic option. Be sure to cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay good for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This helps maintain the creamy sauce without it separating, returning the dish to its original velvety glory.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar provides a wonderful kick, you can experiment with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some added spice. Just make sure you use cheeses that melt well to maintain that creamy texture.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe is perfect for meal prep because it keeps well refrigerated and reheats beautifully, making busy weeknights much easier and tastier.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

You can! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness, but cooking times might vary slightly. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, try using cream cheese and cheddar substitutes made from nuts or coconut milk. The texture and flavor will be different but still creamy and delicious.

What can I do if I don’t have garlic or onion powder?

Fresh minced garlic and finely chopped onions can be wonderful substitutes. Sauté them in the olive oil before cooking the chicken to infuse the dish with fresh aromatic flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Cream Cheese Garlic Cheddar Chicken Skillet Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings comfort and ease straight to your kitchen. Its rich, creamy sauce paired with perfectly cooked chicken makes it a perfect go-to for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become one of your weeknight favorites that everyone asks for again and again!

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