Cream Cheese Chicken Skillet Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
• Kosher salt to taste
• Ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1/2 tablespoon water
• 1/2 to 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the seasoned coating: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, and smoked sweet paprika until well combined.

2. 2

   Flatten the chicken: Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and gently flatten with a meat tenderizer to ensure even cooking and tender meat texture.

3. 3

   Season and coat the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper, then coat evenly with the seasoned cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess.

4. 4

   Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 6 to 8 minutes, flipping once, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove chicken and set aside, wiping excess grease from the skillet.

5. 5

   Sauté aromatics: Keep 2 tablespoons of oil in the skillet. Melt butter and sauté chopped onions until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

6. 6

   Deglaze the skillet: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the skillet bottom with a spatula, stirring to combine.

7. 7

   Create the creamy sauce: Add cream cheese, breaking into pieces, and stir until melted and smooth. Stir in Parmesan cheese until well combined.

8. 8

   Adjust sauce consistency and seasoning: If desired, gradually add water and soy sauce to thin the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, considering the saltiness of Parmesan cheese.

9. 9

   Reheat chicken in sauce: Return chicken breasts to the skillet. Simmer gently for 20 to 30 seconds, flipping once, until chicken is warmed through and coated with the sauce.

10. 10

    Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish before serving to add freshness and color.