Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a delicious way to elevate a simple dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture seasoned with garlic and herbs, then baked to perfection. It’s an impressive yet easy meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
4. Step 4: Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast, then press the edges together to seal.
5. Step 5: Season the outside of the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
6. Step 6: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
7. Step 7: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Step 8: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.

Tips & Variations

• Try adding chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor and color.
• Use feta or goat cheese instead of mozzarella for a tangier stuffing.
• To avoid tearing, use a sharp knife when creating the pocket in the chicken breasts.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Storage

Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to maintain moisture and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can enhance the flavors.

What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?

You can use ricotta cheese or mascarpone as a substitute, though the texture will be slightly different. Adding a little sour cream can help mimic cream cheese’s creaminess.

Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 108 reviews

This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a rich and flavorful mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs. The chicken is seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and cheesy main dish perfect for any dinner occasion.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

Filling

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the cheese filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, and dried Italian seasoning. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended.
3. Create chicken pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through the meat.
4. Stuff the chicken: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Press the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside.
5. Season chicken: Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for added flavor and color.
6. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until they develop a golden brown crust.
7. Bake to finish cooking: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy, tender bite.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken pockets are fully sealed to prevent the cheese from leaking out while cooking.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness and avoid overcooking.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable, but use less to avoid overpowering the filling.
• For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture or sprinkle on the chicken before searing.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: cream cheese stuffed chicken, stuffed chicken breast, cheesy chicken recipe, baked chicken breast, easy chicken dinner