Name: Creamy Italian Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487025H27M30S
Total time: PT-487025H27M30S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1/2 cup chicken broth Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Italian Chicken is a one-pan meal that delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. The creamy sauce, made with a mix of Italian seasonings, garlic, and Parmesan, perfectly complements the chicken, creating a satisfying and comforting dish. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or a simple salad, this recipe offers a creamy and flavorful meal that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any night of the week.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup chicken broth
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until well combined. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until it thickens slightly.
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully coated and heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and the cooking time is around 20-25 minutes.

Variations

Add vegetables: You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and texture.
Use chicken thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, they can be used in place of chicken breasts for a juicier and more flavorful option.
Make it lighter: Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version.
Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Add lemon: For a bright citrus touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce just before serving.

Storage/Reheating

To store: Place any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave the leftovers for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and will stay extra juicy and flavorful.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the creamy sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken.

3. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Be sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

4. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and heat it gently on the stove.

5. What can I serve with Creamy Italian Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread are also great side options.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with mozzarella, provolone, or even cheddar for a different cheesy flavor.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.

8. Can I add vegetables to the sauce?

Absolutely! Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes are great additions to the creamy sauce.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the cream cheese and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese.

10. Can I cook this dish in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Brown the chicken in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Creamy Italian Chicken is a decadent, easy-to-make meal that’s packed with rich flavors and comforting ingredients. The creamy sauce, seasoned with classic Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese, makes this dish irresistible. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is quick, flavorful, and always satisfying. Try it out, and you’ll have a new go-to chicken dish that everyone will love!