This creamy chicken dish is one of those comforting meals I always come back to when I want something rich, simple, and incredibly satisfying. I love how the tender chicken pairs with the smooth, savory cream cheese sauce, creating a dinner that feels indulgent without being complicated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I enjoy this recipe because it comes together quickly with everyday ingredients and delivers big flavor. I like how it feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight. The creamy texture, mild tang, and juicy chicken make it a dish I never get tired of.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt
Black pepper
Directions
I start by seasoning the chicken breasts lightly with salt and black pepper. I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. I remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, I lower the heat and add the minced garlic, cooking it just until fragrant. I stir in the chicken broth and cream cheese, letting it melt slowly while stirring until the sauce becomes smooth. I sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and mix everything well.
I return the chicken to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors come together. Once the sauce thickens slightly, I remove it from the heat and serve.
Servings And Timing
I usually make this recipe to serve 4 people.
Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time takes around 25 minutes, making the total time approximately 35 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes add sliced mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture. When I want a little heat, I mix in crushed red pepper flakes. I also enjoy swapping chicken breasts for chicken thighs when I want an even juicier result.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
FAQs
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
I can use low-fat cream cheese, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.
What can I serve with cream cheese chicken?
I like serving it with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up the sauce.
Can I bake this instead of cooking on the stovetop?
I can bake the chicken and sauce at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until bubbly and cooked through.
Is ranch seasoning necessary?
I use ranch seasoning for flavor, but I can replace it with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs.
Can I freeze this recipe?
I don’t recommend freezing it because the cream cheese sauce can change texture after thawing.
Conclusion
This mouthwatering cream cheese chicken is one of my favorite comfort meals because it’s easy, creamy, and full of flavor. I love how versatile it is and how effortlessly it fits into my weekly dinner rotation.
This Mouthwatering Cream Cheese Chicken is a rich and creamy comfort food dish made with tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory garlic and ranch-seasoned cream cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chicken broth
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Lower heat and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Cook just until fragrant.
Add chicken broth and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and mix well.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Use crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier result.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the cream sauce.