If you’re on the lookout for a dish that combines creamy, cheesy indulgence with crispy, golden chicken, you’ve just found a winner. This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe is pure comfort food magic, featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a luscious blend of cream cheese and Italian cheeses, then breaded and baked with marinara and mozzarella for that irresistible Italian-American classic flavor. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate and is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe lies not only in its incredible flavor but also in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each component adds something special, whether it’s the creamy texture, savory herbs, or crisp coating, creating a perfect balance of tastes and colors that will delight your senses.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing with rich, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy moisture inside the chicken for a luscious bite.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating that classic cheesy stretch inside.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Packed with savory umami flavor to elevate the stuffing.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Provides a fragrant herbal note that brightens the dish.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and depth to the cheese mixture.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the stuffing with authentic Italian flavor.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the breading adhere perfectly to the chicken.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent to keep the breadcrumb coating crisp.
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Creates that satisfying crunchy exterior.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Adds a bright, tangy tomato finish that’s essential for Chicken Parmesan.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts on top for gooey, golden cheese goodness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the chicken to crispy perfection.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Cheese Mixture
Start by preheating your oven to a cozy 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). While it warms, mix together the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl until you get a smooth, flavorful filling. This mixture is where the magic happens and sets the tone for the entire dish.
Step 2: Create Pockets in the Chicken Breasts
Take your chicken breasts and carefully slice horizontally through the middle to form pockets without cutting all the way through. This step might feel a bit tricky at first, but it’s key to stuffing the chicken and keeping all that luscious cheese inside during cooking.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Fill each chicken pocket generously with the cream cheese mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed. If needed, use toothpicks to securely close the opening so that none of the delicious filling escapes while frying and baking.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Coat each stuffed chicken breast first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs to help the breadcrumbs stick, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs. This triple-layer coating is what gives you that perfect crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and sear each chicken breast for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. You’re looking for a golden brown crust that locks in all the flavors and juices, setting the stage for baking.
Step 6: Add Sauce and Cheese, Then Bake
Once browned, spoon marinara sauce evenly on top of each chicken breast and sprinkle with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. During this time, the chicken will cook through fully while the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden crown.
Step 7: Final Touches Before Serving
When the baking is complete, carefully remove the toothpicks from each chicken breast. This finishing step ensures every bite is perfect and safe to enjoy without any surprises.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil or chopped parsley over the top adds a pop of emerald green and a burst of freshness that complements the rich cheese and tomato sauce beautifully. A little cracked black pepper can add a subtle kick that brings out the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe alongside a crisp green salad or a bed of garlicky sautéed spinach to balance the dish’s richness. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta tossed with olive oil and garlic work wonderfully to soak up every last bit of that delicious marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the stuffed chicken breasts into medallions to showcase the cheesy filling and make serving a breeze at family dinners or special gatherings. Plating the chicken atop a swirl of sauce garnished with colorful herbs creates a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and sauce together helps maintain the moist texture and keep those wonderful flavors intact.
Freezing
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe freezes well before baking. Place the breaded and stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen by adding extra time to ensure it cooks through fully.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F oven until warmed through to preserve the crispy coating and melty cheese inside. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the breading soggy and the cheese rubbery.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While the blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan is classic, you can experiment by adding sharp provolone or fontina for a different flavor twist. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep that creamy goodness.
Is it necessary to use toothpicks when stuffing the chicken?
Using toothpicks helps keep the stuffed pocket closed as you bread and cook the chicken, preventing the filling from leaking out. If you don’t have toothpicks, try tying the chicken with kitchen twine or handling it gently during cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the all-purpose flour and seasoned breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Make sure your marinara sauce is also gluten-free to keep the dish completely safe for your dietary needs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Baking it for 20 to 25 minutes after searing usually gets it there, but if you want to be extra sure, use a meat thermometer to check.
What can I do if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil works fine, just adjust the quantity to about a third of fresh since it’s more concentrated. Alternatively, you can add a little fresh parsley or oregano for a different herbal note.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe is truly a showstopper that’s easier to make than you might think. With its creamy, cheesy center and crispy, flavorful crust, it offers a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious dish as much as I do — trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want on repeat.
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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe offers a delicious twist on the classic Italian favorite by stuffing tender chicken breasts with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-seared to golden perfection, then baked with marinara sauce and extra mozzarella topping, this dish delivers a rich and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Stuffing
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading and Topping
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the middle of each chicken breast to create a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast and sprinkle with the additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts and serve hot, enjoying the creamy stuffed filling and crispy breadcrumb crust.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut the chicken breasts all the way through when creating the pocket to avoid losing the stuffing during cooking.
- If you don’t have fresh basil, dried basil can be substituted, but use about 1 teaspoon and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Using an oven-safe skillet allows you to sear and bake the chicken in the same pan, making cleanup easier.
- To ensure even cooking, use chicken breasts of similar size and thickness.
- Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
