Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken: A Simple & Delicious Weeknight Dinner

This Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It combines the rich, tangy flavor of Philadelphia cream cheese with the bright, herbaceous notes of pesto, all coating tender, juicy chicken breasts. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Get ready to impress your loved ones with this restaurant-quality meal made in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of creamy cream cheese, vibrant pesto, and savory chicken creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served with a variety of sides, from pasta and rice to roasted vegetables and salads.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Even picky eaters will love this creamy, flavorful chicken dish.
* **Minimal Ingredients:** You only need a handful of readily available ingredients to make this delicious meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather the following ingredients:

* **Chicken Breasts:** 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* **Philadelphia Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened (half a standard block)
* **Pesto:** 1/4 cup (store-bought or homemade)
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/4 cup
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown better.
* Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper.

**Step 2: Sear the Chicken**

* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
* Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and slightly cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce**

* Reduce the heat to medium.
* Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
* Add the chicken broth to the skillet and deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This will add flavor to the sauce.
* Stir in the softened cream cheese and pesto until the cream cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
* Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

**Step 4: Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce**

* Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and nestle them into the creamy pesto sauce.
* Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the flavor of the dish. Use fresh pesto and good-quality cream cheese for the best results.
* **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the proper internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
* **Soften the Cream Cheese:** Make sure the cream cheese is softened before adding it to the skillet. This will help it melt more easily and create a smoother sauce. Take it out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you plan to cook.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or pesto, depending on your preference.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** Deglazing the pan with chicken broth is an important step that adds flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip it!
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** When searing the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This will prevent the chicken from browning properly.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can prepare the creamy pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and simmer it in the sauce.
* **Use Different Types of Pesto:** Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto, such as sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto, to create unique flavor combinations.
* **Add Vegetables:** For a more complete meal, add some vegetables to the skillet along with the chicken. Some good options include broccoli florets, sliced mushrooms, or bell peppers.
* **Make it Spicy:** If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Pasta:** Serve over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti, linguine, or penne. Toss the pasta with the creamy pesto sauce for a complete and satisfying meal.
* **Rice:** Serve with a side of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roast some vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, for a healthy and delicious side.
* **Salad:** Serve with a fresh green salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with a side of garlic bread for dipping in the creamy pesto sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes complement the rich sauce beautifully.
* **Polenta:** Creamy polenta provides a delicious and comforting base for the chicken and sauce.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Thighs:** Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
* **Turkey Breasts:** Use turkey breasts instead of chicken breasts for a leaner option.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and a dairy-free pesto to make this dish dairy-free.
* **Gluten-Free:** Serve with gluten-free pasta or rice to make this dish gluten-free.
* **Pesto Variations:** Try different pesto variations like sun-dried tomato pesto, spinach pesto, or even a walnut pesto.
* **Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and texture.
* **Use Heavy Cream:** For an even richer and creamier sauce, substitute some of the chicken broth with heavy cream.
* **Add Spinach or Kale:** Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale for added nutrients and flavor.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 5-10g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or in the microwave using the defrost setting.

**Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the creamy pesto sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the chicken and simmer it in the sauce.

**Q: Can I freeze this dish?**

A: While you *can* freeze it, the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh. If you do freeze it, thaw it completely in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: What if I don’t have pesto?**

A: While pesto is a key ingredient, you could try substituting it with a blend of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, and oregano, along with some garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese (if not dairy-free).

**Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of searing it?**

A: Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, follow the remaining steps to make the creamy pesto sauce and pour it over the baked chicken.

**Q: The sauce is too thick. What can I do?**

A: Add a little more chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

**Q: The sauce is too thin. What can I do?**

A: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes, uncovered, to allow it to thicken. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the sauce to thicken it quickly.

**Q: Can I add mushrooms to this dish?**

A: Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet after searing the chicken and before adding the garlic. They’ll add a delicious earthy flavor to the dish.

**Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?**

A: Yes! This recipe is great for meal prepping. Prepare the chicken and sauce as directed, then divide it into individual containers along with your choice of sides (pasta, rice, vegetables). Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

## Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken Recipe

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 30 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 4 ounces Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
* 1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* Salt and black pepper to taste
* Optional garnishes: Fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked to 165°F (74°C). Remove and set aside.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
4. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Stir in softened cream cheese and pesto until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Return chicken to the skillet, nestling into the sauce. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened.
7. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Enjoy this delightful and easy Creamy Philly Pesto Chicken recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.