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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe


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4.3 from 58 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • 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

Scale

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

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each chicken breast and sprinkle with the additional shredded mozzarella cheese for topping.
  8. 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.
  9. 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