Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- Create chicken pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through the meat.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Press the edges together firmly to seal the filling inside.
- Season chicken: Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast generously with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika for added flavor and color.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
