Creamy Dreamy Chicken: 10 Irresistible Recipes with Cream Cheese

Chicken and cream cheese. It’s a match made in culinary heaven. The savory, versatile chicken pairs perfectly with the richness and tanginess of cream cheese, creating dishes that are comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, an impressive dish for a special occasion, or simply want to elevate your chicken game, cream cheese is your secret weapon. In this article, we’ll explore 10 irresistible chicken and cream cheese recipes that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

## Why Cream Cheese and Chicken are a Perfect Pairing

Before we dive into the recipes, let’s understand why this combination works so well. Cream cheese offers several advantages:

* **Creaminess:** It adds a luxurious, velvety texture to sauces and fillings, making them incredibly satisfying.
* **Flavor:** Its mild tanginess complements the savory flavor of chicken without overpowering it. It also plays well with other flavors, from herbs and spices to vegetables and cheeses.
* **Moisture:** Cream cheese helps to keep chicken moist and tender, preventing it from drying out during cooking.
* **Versatility:** It can be used in a variety of cooking methods, including baking, sautéing, grilling, and slow cooking.

## 1. Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

This classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser for a reason. It’s simple, elegant, and packed with flavor. The creamy filling keeps the chicken incredibly moist, and you can customize the recipe with your favorite herbs and spices.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup chopped spinach (optional)
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 2 tablespoons olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut a pocket horizontally into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper (if using).
4. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, dividing it evenly.
5. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until lightly browned.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a side salad.

## 2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken

This recipe is a creamy, garlicky delight that’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. The sauce is rich and flavorful, and it coats the chicken beautifully.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through.
2. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Stir in the chopped parsley.
6. Serve the creamy garlic Parmesan chicken over cooked pasta or rice.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.

## 3. Cream Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

These enchiladas are a delicious and satisfying twist on a classic Mexican dish. The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the filling that complements the spicy enchilada sauce.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded
* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 10-12 flour tortillas
* 2 cups enchilada sauce
* Shredded cheese, for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, onion, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Warm the tortillas slightly to make them more pliable. You can do this in a microwave or on a dry skillet.
4. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly.
5. Place the enchiladas seam-side down in a baking dish.
6. Pour the enchilada sauce over the enchiladas, making sure they are evenly coated.
7. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, if desired.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa.

## 4. Creamy Tuscan Chicken

This recipe brings the flavors of Tuscany to your dinner table. The creamy sauce is infused with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, creating a dish that’s both flavorful and comforting.

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1/2 cup heavy cream
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until browned on both sides and cooked through.
3. Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and set aside.
4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
8. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice.

## 5. Cream Cheese Chicken Chili

This chili is a creamy, comforting twist on a classic comfort food. The cream cheese adds a richness and creaminess that sets it apart from traditional chili recipes.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 bell pepper, chopped
* 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
* 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
* 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 packet chili seasoning
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* Shredded cheese, sour cream, and other toppings, for serving (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and bell pepper and cook until softened.
2. Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, and chili seasoning.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
4. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Serve hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and other desired toppings.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

## 6. Cream Cheese Chicken Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The cream cheese adds a creamy, tangy element to the filling that pairs well with the chicken and cheese.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 flour tortillas
* Cooking spray or olive oil

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, cilantro, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over half of each tortilla.
3. Fold the tortillas in half.
4. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat.
5. Cook the quesadillas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
6. Cut the quesadillas into wedges and serve.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.

## 7. Cream Cheese Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

This casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold night. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness to the sauce that complements the chicken and broccoli.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 lb cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1 (10-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
* 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
* 1 (10.75-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread crumbs, for topping (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, rice or pasta, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Sprinkle with bread crumbs, if desired.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a side salad.

## 8. Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Chicken and Potatoes

This slow cooker recipe is a hands-off way to create a delicious and comforting meal. The cream cheese adds a creamy richness to the sauce that coats the chicken and potatoes.

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
* 1.5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 packet Italian dressing mix
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Place the potatoes, onion, and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Place the chicken on top of the vegetables.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with the Italian dressing mix. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks.
6. Stir in the softened cream cheese until melted and smooth.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables.

## 9. Cream Cheese Chicken Pinwheels

These pinwheels are a fun and flavorful appetizer or light meal. The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, tangy element that complements the chicken and vegetables.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup cooked chicken, finely diced
* 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (such as bell peppers, carrots, celery, or green onions)
* 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 8 large flour tortillas

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, diced chicken, chopped vegetables, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each tortilla.
3. Roll the tortillas up tightly.
4. Wrap each tortilla in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the filling to set.
5. Unwrap the tortillas and slice them into 1-inch thick pinwheels.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve as an appetizer or light meal.

## 10. Cream Cheese Chicken Dip

This dip is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties or gatherings. The cream cheese forms the base of the dip, adding a richness and tanginess that complements the chicken and other ingredients.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 oz cream cheese, softened
* 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
* 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup ranch dressing
* 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce (or to taste)
* 1/4 cup chopped green onions
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, buffalo wing sauce, green onions, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread the mixture into a baking dish.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

**Serving Suggestions:** Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or vegetables.

## Tips for Working with Cream Cheese in Chicken Recipes

* **Soften the cream cheese:** Always soften the cream cheese before using it in recipes. This will make it easier to blend with other ingredients and prevent lumps in your sauces or fillings. You can soften cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or microwave it for 15-20 seconds. Make sure you microwave it in short intervals to avoid overheating. Burnt cream cheese will change flavor and texture of your recipe.
* **Don’t overcook:** Be careful not to overcook chicken with cream cheese, as the cream cheese can become grainy or separate. Bake or simmer the chicken until it’s just cooked through.
* **Experiment with flavors:** Cream cheese is a versatile ingredient that pairs well with a variety of flavors. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, spices, vegetables, and cheeses to create your own unique chicken and cream cheese recipes.
* **Use different types of cream cheese:** You can use regular, reduced-fat, or even flavored cream cheese in these recipes. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
* **Add some heat:** If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some chopped jalapeños to your chicken and cream cheese recipes.

## Conclusion

Chicken and cream cheese are a dynamic duo that can elevate your cooking to new heights. From simple weeknight dinners to impressive party appetizers, the possibilities are endless. With these 10 irresistible recipes, you’re well-equipped to create creamy, dreamy chicken dishes that will delight your family and friends. So, grab some chicken, cream cheese, and your favorite ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of this perfect pairing! Bon appétit!