Description
Creamy Italian chicken delights palates with its simple yet irresistible blend of tender chicken, tangy cream cheese, and zesty herbs. Comfort meets elegance in this effortless dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Dairy and Creamy Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) butter
Liquid and Seasonings:
- ¾ cup (180 milliliters) chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the cream cheese by microwaving it until very soft, then chop into small, manageable cubes for easy melting.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts horizontally, creating four even, thinner cutlets. Season generously with garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
- Warm a combination of unsalted butter and extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter is completely melted and slightly bubbling.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets into the hot skillet, cooking each side for 5-6 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Remove the perfectly cooked chicken to a clean plate, keeping it warm while preparing the sauce.
- Reduce the skillet’s heat to medium and add diced onions, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until they become translucent and develop a light caramelization.
- Introduce minced garlic to the onions, stirring constantly for 30-45 seconds to release its aromatic flavors without burning.
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet, then whisk in the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Gently return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to warm through and absorb the rich sauce, adding extra broth if the consistency seems too thick.
- Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness before serving immediately.
Notes
- Discover a foolproof method for transforming simple chicken into a creamy, restaurant-worthy meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
- Softening cream cheese beforehand ensures a silky smooth sauce that clings perfectly to each tender chicken piece.
- Seasoning chicken generously creates layers of flavor that elevate this straightforward protein from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Sautéing onions and garlic in the same skillet captures all those delicious browned bits, infusing maximum taste into every bite.
- Adjusting sauce consistency by adding extra broth allows for personalized texture that suits individual preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 402 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg