Looking for a way to elevate your usual Chicken Parmesan? Look no further! This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a true game-changer. The juicy chicken breasts, stuffed with a rich and creamy cheese mixture, are breaded, seared to golden perfection, and topped with marinara sauce before being baked to deliciousness. It’s an explosion of flavors in every bite—savory, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a special occasion, this recipe will be a hit every time!
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
This recipe is packed with flavor and only requires a few basic ingredients. Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
These ingredients combine to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile that you won’t be able to resist!
Preparation for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Let’s get the oven preheated and the chicken prepared, so you can dive into creating this scrumptious dish.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature will allow the chicken to cook evenly and for the breading to become crisp and golden. Don’t forget to prepare an oven-safe skillet or baking dish for later!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and carefully slice it horizontally. You’ll want to create a pocket for the creamy filling, but be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken. This will allow the filling to stay securely inside while baking. Set the chicken breasts aside for now.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined into a smooth, creamy mixture. This filling will add a velvety richness to the chicken, making each bite a flavor-packed experience.
Step 4: Stuff the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Take the cream cheese mixture and stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cheesy filling. Be sure to pack it in so the chicken is full, but not overflowing. Once filled, secure the opening of each chicken breast with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while cooking.
Coating the Chicken for Crispiness
Step 5: Set Up the Dredging Station
To get that crispy, golden crust on the outside, we’ll bread the chicken. Set up three bowls for the dredging process:
- One with flour.
- One with a beaten egg.
- One with Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
This will ensure that your chicken gets the perfect coating. Start by dredging each stuffed chicken breast in the flour, coating all sides evenly. Next, dip it in the beaten egg to ensure that the breadcrumbs stick. Next, dredge the chicken breast in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the coating adheres.
Step 6: Sear the Chicken
Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, carefully place the breaded chicken breasts into the pan. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This will give your chicken the perfect crispy crust while locking in all the flavors inside. Once the chicken is golden, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
Baking the Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 7: Add the Marinara Sauce
Now it’s time to top the chicken with some classic marinara sauce. Pour a generous amount of marinara sauce over each stuffed chicken breast, ensuring that the sauce covers the top and slightly drips down the sides. This will add extra flavor and moisture to the chicken.
Step 8: Bake the Chicken
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat, while the cream cheese filling remains rich and gooey.
Serving Your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove the toothpicks and garnish with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. This will add a fresh touch and make your dish look even more appetizing.
Serve your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese alongside a heaping plate of pasta, a crisp green salad, or even some roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
This dish is delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients that’ll fuel your day. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 450 kcal per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
It’s a satisfying, filling meal that’s perfect for a hearty dinner without overloading you with empty calories. You’ll get a great balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, while the breadcrumbs give you that perfect crispy texture.
Variations and Customizations
Add Extra Flavor
While this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is delicious as is, there are several ways you can change it up to suit your preferences. For a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling or sprinkle some on top of the marinara sauce. If you prefer a more savory version, try swapping out the mozzarella cheese for provolone or fontina cheese for a richer flavor.
Make it Low-Carb or Gluten-Free
If you’re following a low-carb or gluten-free diet, it’s easy to modify this recipe. Instead of regular breadcrumbs, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds. You can also skip the breadcrumbs entirely and just bake the chicken without the breading for a lighter version.
Dairy-Free Option
For those who are dairy-free, it’s easy to modify the filling. Simply use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and skip the mozzarella and Parmesan. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor if desired.
FAQs About Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance by stuffing and breading the chicken breasts. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to cook, just sear and bake them as directed. This will save you time on a busy day.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to thaw them thoroughly before slicing and stuffing. Cooking frozen chicken directly may result in uneven cooking.
What should I serve with Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, especially spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. You can also serve it with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! If you have leftovers, you can freeze the cooked Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Conclusion
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a true showstopper. From the crispy exterior to the creamy, cheesy filling, every bite is an explosion of flavor. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, date nights, or impressing guests at a dinner party. The creamy filling, combined with the savory chicken and tangy marinara sauce, will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, what are you waiting for? Try this mouthwatering recipe today and bring a flavor-packed dish to your table!
For more delicious recipes to pair with your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, be sure to check out these tasty options:
- Loaded Cheddar Bacon Chicken Fingers
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken
- Cream Cheese and Bacon Stuffed Doritos Chicken
These additional recipes will complement your meal and bring even more variety to your table.
Print
Easy Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese for Dinner
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese! Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection with marinara sauce. This recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Stuff the Chicken:
Fill each chicken breast pocket with the cream cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling intact while cooking.
Coat the Chicken:
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs. Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, dip it into the egg, then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake:
Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Serve:
Remove the toothpicks, garnish with fresh basil or extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot with pasta, a fresh salad, or your favorite side dish. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Notes
- For an extra cheesy twist, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top before baking.
- Use toothpicks to secure the filling inside the chicken—just remember to remove them before serving!
- Want a crispier coating? Broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Serve with garlic bread or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, Stuffed Chicken Parmesan, Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken, Cheesy Chicken Recipe, Italian Chicken Dinner