If you’ve been searching for a rich, comforting dinner that feels indulgent yet comes together with surprisingly simple steps, this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe is the perfect find. Picture tender chicken breasts, stuffed with a velvety blend of cream cheese, three kinds of cheese, and aromatic herbs, then breaded and baked to golden perfection under a layer of marinara and melted mozzarella. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with warm satisfaction, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the length of this list fool you—each ingredient is a straightforward pantry staple that pulls double duty to create amazing flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From creamy cheeses to fragrant herbs and crunchy breadcrumbs, every element has its own role in making this recipe truly shine.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect blank canvas for stuffing and filling with cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds luscious smoothness and richness to the stuffing mix.
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melds beautifully inside the filling creating that dreamy gooey pull.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick to round out the cheese blend.
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped: Releases bright, aromatic notes that elevate the whole dish.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle warmth without overpowering the chicken’s natural flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that layers in traditional Italian flair.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps create a crisp coating when dredging the stuffed chicken.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Binds the breadcrumbs to the chicken, ensuring a crunchy crust.
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs: Adds a golden crunch and a deliciously textured exterior.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: Coats the chicken with tangy tomato goodness before baking.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping): Melts on top to finish the dish with a gooey, bubbly crown.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for browning the chicken to perfection before baking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning every layer to bring out the best flavors.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Cheese Filling
Start by preheating the oven to a cozy 375°F (190°C). While it warms, whisk together softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, chopped basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This creamy and aromatic filling will be the heart of your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe—smooth, bursting with flavor, and ready to be the star inside the chicken.
Step 2: Create Pockets in the Chicken Breasts
Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the center of each chicken breast to form a pocket. Remember, the goal is to create enough space for the stuffing without cutting all the way through—this will keep the filling snug and hidden inside while cooking.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each pocket. If the opening seems risky to spill, secure it gently with toothpicks to keep everything tucked tightly inside. This preparation step transforms plain chicken into a luscious bundle of creamy delight.
Step 4: Coat the Stuffed Chicken for the Perfect Crunch
To achieve that irresistible crispy exterior, dredge each stuffed breast first in the all-purpose flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat generously with seasoned breadcrumbs. This triple-step ensures the breading sticks well and browns beautifully during cooking.
Step 5: Brown the Chicken on the Stove
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place chicken breasts in the hot oil and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until you have a stunning golden brown crust locking in moisture and flavor. This browning step adds a depth to your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe that baking alone can’t provide.
Step 6: Bake with Sauce and Cheese
Spoon marinara sauce over each browned chicken breast and sprinkle the tops with shredded mozzarella cheese. Pop the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through while the cheese melts into a bubbling, golden layer that’s pure comfort food heaven.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, carefully remove the toothpicks before plating. Now you have a spectacularly cheesy, golden, and flavorful masterpiece that’s waiting to wow your taste buds and anyone lucky enough to share this meal with you.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of finely grated Parmesan cheese make perfect finishing touches, brightening the dish with color and an extra burst of fresh flavor. Don’t underestimate how a little garnish can elevate the visual appeal and taste experience.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, garlicky roasted vegetables, or a simple bed of al dente spaghetti tossed in extra marinara. These sides complement the richness of the chicken without overpowering it, balancing the plate in the best way.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the chicken on a large platter with sauce drizzled generously around. Or for a more elegant look, slice the stuffed breasts into thick medallions so the creamy filling is on full display, inviting guests to dig in visually before tasting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to remove any toothpicks before storing to keep things easy during reheating.
Freezing
If you’d like to save some for longer, wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they will keep well for up to 2 months, making future meals just a quick thaw away.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to maintain that crispy coating and creamy interior. Microwaving is possible but can make the breading less crisp, so oven reheating is preferred.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cream cheese?
Absolutely! While cream cheese gives that perfect creamy texture, you can experiment with ricotta or mascarpone for a similar effect with slightly different flavors. Just be mindful of moisture levels to prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
Is it okay to prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?
You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just keep them covered and sealed well, and cook them as indicated for the best freshness and flavor.
Can I bake the chicken without browning it first?
Yes, you can skip the stovetop browning, but be aware that this step contributes significantly to the texture and flavor of the crust. Baking only will produce a softer crust and less depth of flavor.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil works too. Use about one-third of the fresh amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. The herb flavor is subtle but still important to balance the cheese and tomato.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and double-check your marinara sauce ingredients. The dish will still deliver on flavor with those small adjustments.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe truly checks all the boxes for comfort food lovers: rich, cheesy, bursting with Italian flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this dish will bring smiles and satisfied appetites to the table. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love just like I did!
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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Delicious Chicken Parmesan stuffed 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 melted mozzarella cheese on top. This flavorful and hearty dish is perfect for an impressive yet easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Stuffing
- 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
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Topping and Cooking
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Create pockets in the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut horizontally into the center of each chicken breast to create a pocket without slicing all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the cream cheese mixture, making sure it is well packed. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each stuffed chicken breast first in all-purpose flour, then dip them into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Add sauce and cheese: Spoon marinara sauce generously over each chicken breast and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven. Take out the toothpicks from each chicken breast carefully before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil with dried basil if fresh isn’t available.
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a side of pasta, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
