Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy, cheesy sauce that clings to every bite.
Simple ingredients, big flavor payoff.
Cooks in one skillet—minimal cleanup.
Ready in less than half an hour.
Flexible—serve over rice, pasta, or potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Extra-virgin olive oil
Onion, chopped
White button mushrooms, sliced
Garlic cloves, minced
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Cream cheese (regular or reduced-fat)
Low-sodium chicken broth
Shredded mozzarella cheese
Steamed rice, for serving
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add onion and mushrooms, sautéing 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Season chicken strips with salt and pepper. Increase heat to medium-high, add chicken to skillet, and sear 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown.
Add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the pan, cover, and reduce heat. Cook 2–3 minutes, until cheese is melted and chicken is fully cooked (165°F).
Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve over steamed rice.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Skip mushrooms if you prefer or substitute with zucchini or bell peppers.
Use Parmesan instead of mozzarella for a sharper flavor.
Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or water in a pinch.
Serve over quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes instead of rice.
Add steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 4–5 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave, cutting chicken into bite-size pieces for even warming.
Not recommended for freezing due to sauce separation.

FAQs

Can I make this with chicken thighs?
Yes—use boneless, skinless thighs and slice into strips. Cooking time may be slightly longer.

Can I make it without mushrooms?
Absolutely—just skip them or replace with another veggie.

Can I use fat-free cream cheese?
Not recommended—it won’t melt as smoothly or taste as rich.

Can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne with the garlic.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two, or add a small sprinkle of extra cheese.

Conclusion

Easy Cream Cheese Chicken delivers comfort in every bite with its rich, cheesy sauce and tender chicken strips. It’s fast, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable—making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights.