Can I make Creamy Cheese Chicken without heavy cream?

Absolutely! In fact, classic Creamy Cheese Chicken recipes usually rely on cream cheese and broth for the sauce, skipping heavy cream altogether. That’s part of what keeps this dish lighter and quicker to whip up.

What’s the best cheese to use for creamy chicken?

Cream cheese is your best friend when it comes to a velvety sauce. Pair it with mozzarella for meltiness or add a touch of Parmesan for extra depth. If you're feeling fancy, a bit of Gruyère or cheddar works too—just be mindful of stronger flavors taking over.

Can I freeze Creamy Cheese Chicken?

Yes, but with caution! Freezing Creamy Cheese Chicken is possible, though the sauce might separate a little after thawing. For best results, freeze in small portions and reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to bring it back to life.

How do you thicken creamy cheese sauce if it’s too runny?

Easy fix! Simmer the sauce uncovered over low heat for a few extra minutes, stirring often. If you’re in a rush, a tiny sprinkle of cornstarch mixed with cold broth can help too. But usually, patience and gentle simmering do the trick for Creamy Cheese Chicken !

Creamy Cheese Chicken: Easy, Cheesy Family Dinner

Description

Creamy Cheese Chicken is a comforting, family-friendly dinner made with juicy chicken, rich cream cheese sauce, and melty mozzarella. Perfect for quick weeknight meals or cozy weekend gatherings, it’s simple, hearty, and packed with savory flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
8 oz white button mushrooms, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 oz cream cheese (⅓-less fat or regular)
¼ cup low-sodium chicken broth
¼ to ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Steamed brown or white rice, for serving
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Sauté onions and mushrooms for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Increase heat to medium-high, sear chicken until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
Lower heat to medium, add cream cheese and chicken broth, stirring until smooth.
Sprinkle mozzarella over the chicken, cover, and cook for 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
Serve hot over rice and top with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result.
Substitute part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version.
Add veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
For a spicy kick, mix in red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
Serve with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT20M
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate
Calories: 436
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 476mg
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 57g
Cholesterol: 175mg

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