Looking for a dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavor? This Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken recipe blends the bold, aromatic notes of Chinese five spice with the rich, velvety texture of cream cheese to create a dish that’s both unique and family-friendly. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even warm naan for scooping up the luscious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🕐 Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- 🌿 Rich & Aromatic – The five spice blend adds depth without overwhelming.
- 🧀 Ultra Creamy – Cream cheese melts into a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- 🍽 Versatile – Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
- 1 tsp Chinese five spice powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Cream Cheese Sauce:
- 1 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened & cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp honey (or brown sugar, optional for balance)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry. Rub with olive oil, five spice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C). Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Base
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and garlic, sauté 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Build the Sauce
- Stir in chicken broth and soy sauce, scraping up browned bits. Lower heat.
- Add cream cheese cubes, stirring until smooth. Slowly mix in heavy cream and honey (if using).
- Combine & Serve
- Return chicken to skillet, spooning sauce over. Simmer 2–3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy five spice chicken pairs wonderfully with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice 🍚
- Garlic noodles or stir-fried lo mein 🍜
- Roasted broccoli, bok choy, or green beans 🥦
- Fresh naan or flatbread for scooping
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Spice Level: Add chili flakes or sriracha for a kick.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp, pork tenderloin, or tofu.
- Lighter Option: Substitute cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Extra Flavor: Add mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing the onion.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Sauce may separate slightly, but it freezes for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in fridge.
- Reheat: Warm gently on stove with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the sauce and chicken separately, then combine and reheat before serving.
Q: What does Chinese five spice taste like?
It’s a blend of sweet, warm, and savory flavors — typically star anise, cloves, cinnamon, fennel, and Sichuan peppercorns.
Q: Can I use light cream cheese?
Absolutely. It will make the sauce slightly less rich but still creamy.
Q: What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
Rice is the classic choice, but garlic noodles or roasted veggies work beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Five Spice Cream Cheese Chicken is a true fusion of comforting creaminess and bold flavor. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that works for weeknights and special dinners alike.