Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce
Hey there! Let me guess—you’re craving something easy, creamy, and totally comforting, right?
Well, I got your back! I’ve got this super simple Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce recipe that I just know you’re going to fall in love with.
It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but is honestly so easy to whip up, perfect for a busy day or a cozy night in.
I totally get how you sometimes just want something quick and satisfying, and this creamy sauce totally does the trick.
It takes just a few ingredients (stuff you probably already have at home) and can transform your chicken into something amazing. Trust me, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t try it sooner!
I know you’ll enjoy this recipe. It’s rich, smooth, and the chicken gets all coated in that creamy goodness, making every bite delicious.
And, you can pair it with pretty much anything—rice, veggies, or even pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro in the kitchen, even if you’re just starting out.
So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking. I can’t wait for you to try this out, it’s going to be your new go-to dinner!
How to Make Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce
Here’s your foolproof guide to making this creamy, dreamy chicken dish. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
First things first, we need to gather everything. No running to the store mid-cook, promise? Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you’re feeling wild)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth (or water if you’re in a pinch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Now, breathe. You’ve got this. We’re about to make a super delicious dish in the kitchen.
🍽 Essential Equipment for Making Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce
Disclaimer: You can find all these tools & items on Amazon. I trust this company! If you use the links below, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It’s a simple way to support my work while stocking your kitchen with quality cooking tools.
Here’s a list of the tools you’ll need to create a smooth, creamy, and flavorful chicken sauce:
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Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – Perfect for cooking the chicken and simmering the cream cheese sauce together.
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Medium Saucepan (Optional) – If you prefer to make the sauce separately before combining with the chicken.
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Cutting Board – For safely prepping chicken or any optional add-ins like onions or herbs.
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Sharp Chef’s Knife – To cut chicken into even pieces or trim any fat.
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Silicone Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For stirring the sauce gently without scratching your pan.
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Measuring Cups & Spoons – To portion out cream cheese, broth, seasonings, and other ingredients precisely.
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Whisk – Helps blend the cream cheese smoothly into the sauce for a lump-free finish.
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Tongs – Great for flipping chicken pieces evenly while cooking.
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Mixing Bowl (Optional) – For pre-mixing any seasonings or liquid ingredients before adding to the pan.
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Lid for Skillet (Optional) – Useful for simmering and helping the sauce thicken without drying out.
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Meat Thermometer (Optional) – To make sure your chicken reaches the safe internal temp of 165°F.
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Serving Spoon or Ladle – For scooping that creamy goodness onto pasta, rice, or veggies.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat that olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan (be careful, the oil might sizzle a bit).
Sear both sides of the chicken until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through just yet; we’ll finish that up later. Set the chicken aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet (yes, don’t clean it, flavor town lives here), throw in the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth.
Stir everything together, breaking up the cream cheese until it’s fully melted and everything is well combined.
You want a smooth, creamy sauce here. Add in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a little salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Now, place the chicken breasts back in the skillet with that luscious sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken so it’s nice and covered.
Let everything simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 5: Serve It Up
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, serve it with all that creamy goodness on top. Pair it with your favorite sides, rice, mashed potatoes, or even steamed veggies.
This is the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you for it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⒈ Overcooking the chicken – No one wants dry chicken. Cook it on medium heat, and make sure to check the internal temperature (it should be 165°F) before serving.
⒉ Not using softened cream cheese – If you try to use cold cream cheese, you’ll end up with lumps. Softened cream cheese is key for that smooth, creamy sauce.
⒊ Skipping the sear – Don’t skip that searing step. It locks in flavor and gives the chicken that lovely golden color.
⒋ Not seasoning enough – Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! The seasonings are what elevate this dish from “meh” to “wow.”
⒌ Not stirring the sauce enough – Stirring ensures that the sauce doesn’t burn or stick to the pan, and it helps everything meld together into creamy perfection.
Recipe Best Tips
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness and flavor.
- Double the sauce if you like a bit of extra creaminess to go with your sides.
- For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a subtle heat.
- Make it a one-pan meal by adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the pan in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- If the sauce gets too thick, just thin it out with a bit more chicken broth or even a splash of milk.
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got options here! The sauce is rich and creamy, so it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to look out for:
⑴ Mashed potatoes: There’s something magical about creamy sauce and mashed potatoes, isn’t there?
⑵ Rice: Fluffy rice will soak up all that sauce, making every bite heavenly.
⑶ Pasta: Use the sauce as a base for pasta, creamy chicken pasta, anyone?
⑷ Steamed veggies: If you want something lighter, serve it alongside some crisp green beans or broccoli to balance the richness of the sauce.
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Storage and Freezing
Got leftovers? No problem.
- Storing: Keep the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This dish freezes pretty well! Just make sure it’s in a sealed container or freezer bag, and it’ll stay good for up to 3 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use chicken breasts with the skin on?
A: Absolutely! You can use skin-on chicken breasts if that’s your preference. Just be sure to remove the skin before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe in the slow cooker?
A: Yep! Sear the chicken first, then toss everything into the slow cooker with the sauce. Cook on low for about 4-6 hours.
Q: Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
A: Sure! You can swap it with cream of mushroom soup or even a homemade cream sauce if you prefer to avoid canned soups.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: If you’re avoiding dairy, try substituting the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk instead of the chicken broth.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
A: The internal temperature should be 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, make a small cut in the thickest part of the chicken—it should no longer be pink inside.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yep! This dish actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I add other seasonings to this recipe?
A: Totally! Experiment with your favorites. A little Italian seasoning, thyme, or even a bit of lemon zest can really take it to the next level.
Conclusion
And there you have it! This Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce is simple, flavorful, and perfect for any night of the week.
You’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and don’t forget to snap a pic of your version to share with us. We’d love to see how you made it your own!
👉Before you go, don’t miss these trending dinners — [Free Cookbook Inside!]
You Might Also Want To Try
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes
- Healthy Roasted Chicken and Vegetables Skillet
- Black Pepper Chicken with Sauce
⤵⬇

Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 package 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter for a richer taste
Key Substitutions:
- Chicken: You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a juicier option.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese can be used as a lighter alternative to cream cheese.
- Chicken Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth vegetable broth or even water with a bouillon cube will work.
Instructions
How to Cook the Cream Cheese Chicken Sauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Prep the Chicken
- Start by slicing your chicken breasts into thin pieces—think of them like little chicken cutlets. This helps them cook faster and evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and that Italian seasoning you’ve got hiding in your spice cabinet.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat up your olive oil (or butter if you're feeling extra) in a pan over medium heat. Once it's hot, toss the chicken in and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. Don’t worry if it’s a little crispy—crispy is good!
Make the Sauce
- Now, in the same pan, add your minced garlic. Stir it around for 30 seconds until it smells amazing (you’ll know when it does!). Then, toss in the cream cheese, chicken broth, and a pinch more salt and pepper. Stir until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth and creamy. It should be like a silky, cheesy cloud—so good.
Combine the Chicken and Sauce
- Drop your chicken back into the pan with the sauce. Let it simmer for about 5 more minutes, so the chicken can soak up all that creamy goodness. The sauce should thicken a bit, and you’ll see your chicken covered in that dreamy cream cheese sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
- Plate up your chicken with that rich sauce on top. Grab your favorite side dish—whether it’s rice, veggies, or even some mashed potatoes—and enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection you've just created. You might even want to pat yourself on the back because you just made something AMAZING.
- And that’s it! See? Super simple and so delicious. You’re going to love it!
Notes
- For a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of chicken broth.
- To make it a bit lighter, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese.
- If you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.