If you’re searching for a meal that feels like a little celebration every time you serve it, look no further than Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Imagine juicy, golden-baked chicken holding a creamy, herby cheese filling that just melts when you slice in, topped with gooey mozzarella and plenty of savory marinara. This recipe is like a mashup of the best parts of Italian-American comfort food—cozy, cheesy, and just a touch impressive—yet it’s totally manageable on a busy weeknight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup is refreshingly simple, but every ingredient has a special role to play in layering flavors, creating a crisp crust, and ensuring your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese turns out irresistible. Don’t skip any element, and feel free to add your own little twist!
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The ideal canvas for holding all that creamy, cheesy filling and staying moist during baking.
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened): Lends richness and a luxurious texture to the stuffing that sets this dish apart.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the filling so things get extra gooey and satisfying inside every bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, nutty flavor that balances perfectly with the soft creaminess of the other cheeses.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds classic aromatic notes—think basil, oregano, and thyme—that make every bite taste like Italy.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: An easy way to infuse gentle, delicious garlic flavor into every forkful.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and highlighting all the cozy flavors.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Provides that classic, crispy Chicken Parmesan coating with a hint of extra herbiness.
- 2 eggs (beaten): Helps the breadcrumbs adhere snugly, ensuring a beautiful, crunchy exterior.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: For that tangy tomato lift, dolloped over the top for color and bright flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Bakes up bubbly and golden, because more cheese is always better.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green and freshness just before serving.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Either line your favorite baking dish with foil or give it a light greasing—both make cleanup a breeze and help prevent any sticky cheese from clinging to the pan. This sets the stage for your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese to bake evenly and release beautifully.
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and, with a steady hand and a sharp knife, cut a deep pocket into the thickest side. Be careful not to slice all the way through. Just a gentle, horizontal slice will give you the perfect pocket to hold all that decadent filling, while keeping the outside intact for breading.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth and spreadable. The mixture should be thick, herby, and downright irresistible—you’ll want every bit packed in your chicken.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon about two tablespoons of your cream cheese filling into each chicken pocket. Press the edges shut gently and, if needed, secure with toothpicks so nothing leaks out. At this point, the Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese starts to take shape—and you might notice the filling looks generous, just the way we like it.
Step 5: Bread and Coat
Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring a good coating. Roll the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they’re evenly coated. This step is what gives the dish its classic golden crunch.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange your breaded, stuffed chicken in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C). The kitchen will start to smell amazing as the chicken begins to get crispy and the cheesy filling warms up.
Step 7: Top with Marinara and Cheese
Carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top. Return the dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling, and the chicken is cooked through.
Step 8: Rest, Garnish, and Serve
Let everything rest for about five minutes after baking. This allows the cheeses to set up a touch and makes slicing easier. Remove the toothpicks, sprinkle with chopped basil or parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and get ready to serve your show-stopping Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
A final flourish of fresh chopped basil or flat-leaf parsley gives your baked Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese a restaurant-quality look and a lovely herbal aroma. For even more appeal, a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of robust olive oil works wonders.
Side Dishes
This dish absolutely thrives alongside simple sides. Think classic spaghetti tossed in olive oil, buttery garlic bread, or a crisp green salad with vinaigrette. For a lighter touch, zucchini noodles or roasted vegetables make excellent partners to soak up all that marinara and creamy filling.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to give your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese a fresh spin, try slicing and fanning it out on individual plates so guests can see that gorgeous cheese filling. Individual portions set atop toasted garlic ciabatta, or nestled on a puddle of extra sauce, will make any dinner feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let it cool completely before packing it up to keep the breading crisp and the filling smooth.
Freezing
If you’d like to make a batch ahead or save extras for later, simply freeze the cooked (and cooled) chicken breasts individually wrapped in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for about two months—just remember to label with the date so you can plan future dinners!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F until the cheese is hot and the breadcrumb coating re-crisps (about 15-20 minutes). Microwaving works in a pinch, but a slow reheat in the oven preserves the texture and ensures the Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is just as inviting the second time around.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the chicken (right up to the breading step), cover, and refrigerate a few hours in advance. When ready, just bake as instructed—perfect for planning dinners ahead.
Is there a way to lighten up this recipe?
Yes! Try subbing part-skim mozzarella and using reduced-fat cream cheese. For a low-carb twist, swap out breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour. The dish is flexible without sacrificing flavor.
What if I don’t have Italian-style breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work just fine—just add a pinch of dried Italian herbs and a bit more garlic powder to capture those classic flavors. Panko can also provide extra crunch if you prefer.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer: The internal temperature should hit 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the chicken should feel firm to the touch.
Can I stuff the chicken with other fillings?
Definitely! While the cream cheese-mozzarella mixture is a signature for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, you can experiment with sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or a little pesto for added flair.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is one of those recipes that truly brings happiness to the table. It’s approachable but feels special, and it never fails to get rave reviews. If you crave a cheesy, comfort-filled dinner that both adults and kids adore, you’ve just found a new favorite—give it a try and watch it disappear!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this savory and cheesy Chicken Parmesan stuffed with a decadent cream cheese mixture. A delicious twist on the classic favorite that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Coating and Serving:
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Mix the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stuff the chicken with the mixture.
- Coat and bake: Dip chicken in beaten eggs, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake for 25 minutes.
- Add toppings: Spoon marinara, sprinkle mozzarella, and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes.
- Rest and serve: Let the dish rest, remove toothpicks, and garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs.
- Pair with pasta, garlic bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
