Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner — this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe. I love how it combines simple ingredients into this luscious, comforting dish that always feels like a little celebration on your plate. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel satisfied without any fuss, and honestly, it’s become a staple in my kitchen for busy days.
What makes this recipe special is how creamy and flavorful it gets thanks to the cream cheese and melted mozzarella, while those earthy mushrooms add a perfect balance. You’ll find that it comes together quickly, making it ideal whether you’re cooking for family or want an impressive dish without the stress. Once you try this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe, it’ll probably become your go-to too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, it cooks up in about 30 minutes.
- Deliciously Creamy: The cream cheese and mozzarella create a rich sauce that’s irresistible.
- Flexible Ingredients: Mushrooms, cheese, and broth can be swapped to match your pantry and taste.
- Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this, and leftovers reheat beautifully too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe work so well together—you’ll get creamy, savory goodness with a touch of freshness. Plus, most are easy to find at any grocery store, so you can whip it up anytime.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: Use good quality oil to sauté the veggies and chicken—it adds a subtle fruity flavor.
- Small onion: Chopped finely for sweetness that balances the savory components.
- White button mushrooms: They soak up flavors and add earthiness; feel free to swap with cremini or shiitake for more depth.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic is a must for that aromatic kick.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into strips for even cooking and quick searing.
- Kosher salt: Essential to bring out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best taste.
- Plain cream cheese: I prefer reduced-fat, but regular works well too—avoid fat-free for creaminess.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that luscious melty topping; you can also try Parmesan for a twist.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped as a garnish to brighten up the plate.
- Steamed rice: To serve; brown or white both work beautifully.
Variations
I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe is no exception. I often swap in what I have or tweak it just a bit to suit the mood or occasion.
- Without mushrooms: I’ve made this without mushrooms when none are on hand, and it’s still creamy and satisfying—perfect for picky eaters.
- Different cheeses: Parmesan or even a sharp cheddar can change the flavor profile deliciously.
- Herb additions: Sometimes I toss in some dried Italian seasoning or fresh thyme to add a new depth of flavor.
- Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for firm tofu or a medley of roasted vegetables for a meatless version that’s just as tasty.
How to Make Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Onions and Mushrooms Until Tender
Start by heating your skillet over medium heat with the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms and sauté them for about 4–5 minutes until they’re soft and starting to brown. The aroma at this stage sets the tone for the whole dish, so take your time here. Add minced garlic last and cook for just 30 seconds to a minute to avoid burning—it releases the perfect scent without bitterness.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken Strips
While the veggies cook, cut your chicken breasts into even strips and season generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Crank the heat up to medium-high on your pan, then add the chicken strips in a single layer. Sear them for about 6-8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until they’re golden brown on all sides. This step locks in the juices so your chicken stays tender and juicy.
Step 3: Melt the Cream Cheese and Simmer with Broth
Lower the heat back to medium, then add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the pan. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and blends into a creamy sauce coating the chicken and mushrooms. This is when the magic happens—watch it come together into a luscious, velvety sauce.
Step 4: Add Mozzarella and Cook Until Melted and Chicken is Done
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the dish, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts perfectly and your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (if you’re using a thermometer). Give it a final taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed—this is your chance to make it just right.
Step 5: Serve Hot Over Steamed Rice with Parsley
Spoon this creamy, cheesy chicken and mushrooms over freshly steamed rice. I love to sprinkle on chopped fresh parsley—it adds a bright burst of flavor and color that makes the dish feel fresh and inviting. Then dig in and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe
- Even Sizing: Cutting chicken into uniform strips ensures even cooking and prevents dryness.
- Don’t Rush the Sear: Give the chicken time to brown properly—it adds flavor and locks in juices.
- Cream Cheese Choice: Using regular or reduced-fat cream cheese gives better texture than fat-free varieties.
- Cover While Melting Cheese: This traps heat and moisture, helping the mozzarella melt evenly without drying out the chicken.
How to Serve Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
I always reach for fresh chopped parsley because it adds a vibrant pop of green and a subtle fresh flavor that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes I sprinkle a little extra cracked black pepper on top just before serving—it really wakes up the dish.
Side Dishes
Steamed brown or white rice is my classic go-to, but I also love serving this with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy polenta. For veggies, roasted broccoli, sautéed green beans, or even a crisp, simple salad balance out the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
When I have guests, I like to plate the chicken on a bed of colorful quinoa mixed with chopped herbs, then sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for some crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a lovely tangy contrast. It’s a simple trick that makes this humble dish feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. Before reheating, I slice the chicken into smaller pieces so it heats through evenly and stays tender.
Freezing
This recipe freezes quite well! I let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out. Microwave works too—just cover the dish loosely to retain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully here and stay juicy and tender. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to come to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
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Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the cream cheese for a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use a plant-based cheese in place of mozzarella. Also, using vegetable broth helps keep it fully dairy-free while maintaining plenty of flavor.
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Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop the vegetables and slice the chicken ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two. When ready to cook, just follow the steps as usual—it makes the process even quicker.
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What’s the best way to prevent the chicken from drying out?
Don’t overcrowd your pan and sear the chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice crust. Avoid cooking it too long—once it reaches 165°F internally, take it off the heat promptly to keep it juicy.
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Can I skip the mushrooms if I don’t like them?
Definitely! I’ve made this Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe without mushrooms many times, and it’s still creamy, delicious, and comforting.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe has seriously earned a spot in my weekly lineup because it’s reliable, comforting, and so easy to customize. I love sharing it with friends because it feels special without requiring fancy ingredients or complicated steps. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug on a plate that comes together faster than you might expect!
PrintEasy Cream Cheese Chicken with Mushrooms and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cream Cheese Chicken recipe combines tender chicken strips with sautéed mushrooms and onions in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and chicken broth. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or your favorite side.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 oz. white button mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz. regular or reduced-fat plain cream cheese
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For Serving
- Steamed brown or white rice
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet and sauté vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Season and sear the chicken: While the vegetables are cooking, slice the chicken breasts into strips and season them with kosher salt and black pepper. Increase the skillet heat to medium-high and add the seasoned chicken strips. Sear the chicken for 6-8 minutes, turning once, until the strips are golden brown and cooked through.
- Create the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium. Add the cream cheese and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cream cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce coating the chicken and vegetables.
- Add cheese and finish cooking: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve the creamy chicken and mushroom mixture over steamed brown or white rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if preferred.
Notes
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms add great flavor and texture but can be omitted or replaced if unavailable or disliked.
- Cream cheese: Reduced-fat cream cheese works beautifully for creaminess; avoid fat-free versions for best texture.
- Broth substitution: Vegetable broth or water can be used in place of chicken broth if needed.
- Cheese options: Mozzarella provides a melty topping, but Parmesan cheese is a tasty alternative.
- Herbs: Parsley adds fresh flavor as a garnish, or dried herbs can be added while cooking for extra seasoning.
- Serving suggestions: Excellent over rice, quinoa, polenta, or mashed potatoes. Complements steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or peas.
- Storage and reheating: Keeps refrigerated for 4-5 days. For best reheating, slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and warm in the microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg