This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast brings together the perfect combination of tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy filling that melts in every bite. The blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, and herbs creates a decadent stuffing that keeps the chicken moist while infusing it with irresistible flavor. A quick pan sear before baking locks in the juices and gives the chicken a gorgeous golden crust.
It’s a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with everything from roasted vegetables to garlic mashed potatoes or a crisp green salad. Whether you’re making it for a busy lunch or a special dinner, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. With every slice, you’ll see the luscious cheese filling oozing out, a sure sign you’re in for a treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, parsley, and Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth and well blended.
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Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.
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Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast, then press the edges together to seal.
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Season the outside of the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
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Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving for the juiciest results.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast – Juicy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
When it comes to easy yet impressive dinner recipes, Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a dish that never fails to wow. It’s the perfect marriage of tender, juicy chicken and a rich, creamy filling that bursts with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re planning a weeknight family dinner or hosting a special gathering, this stuffed chicken recipe has the charm and taste to steal the spotlight.
What makes this recipe so irresistible is the filling, a heavenly mixture of smooth cream cheese, gooey mozzarella, fresh parsley, fragrant garlic, and Italian seasoning. It’s creamy, cheesy, and savory all at once, and it keeps the chicken moist while adding layers of flavor. The combination is then sealed inside a golden-baked chicken breast for a meal that’s as beautiful to present as it is delicious to eat.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
The magic of this dish comes from its balance of flavors and textures. The cream cheese mixture is rich and smooth, pairing perfectly with the mild, tender chicken. The fresh herbs and garlic add brightness, while mozzarella gives that cheesy pull we all love. Pan-searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and creates a light crust, which contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Additionally, this dish is:
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Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love the cheesy goodness inside.
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Customizable: You can tweak the filling to suit your tastes or dietary needs.
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Impressive yet simple: It looks fancy, but it’s easy enough for busy weeknights.
Choosing the Right Chicken
For the best results, you’ll want large, thick chicken breasts that are boneless and skinless. Bigger breasts allow more room for stuffing without risking the filling spilling out during cooking. Look for chicken that’s fresh and uniform in size, so everything cooks evenly.
If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness before slicing the pocket. This ensures that both the top and bottom layers cook at the same rate, preventing dry or unevenly cooked chicken.
The Cream Cheese Filling – The Heart of the Recipe
The filling is what makes this dish shine. The base of cream cheese gives it that luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Shredded mozzarella adds a stretchy, cheesy element, while fresh parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. Garlic adds depth, and Italian seasoning rounds everything out with a subtle herbal aroma.
Here are a few variations you might consider:
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Add spinach or kale: For extra greens and a pop of color.
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Include sun-dried tomatoes: To add a tangy, slightly sweet note.
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Swap mozzarella for cheddar or gouda: To change up the flavor profile.
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Mix in cooked bacon bits: For a smoky, savory boost.
How to Prevent the Filling from Leaking
One of the main challenges of stuffed chicken recipes is keeping the filling inside while cooking. Here are some tips to avoid mess and ensure a perfect presentation:
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Cut the pocket carefully: Slice deep enough to hold the filling, but leave at least 1/2 inch uncut on each side to keep it secure.
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Don’t overfill: Even though the filling is tempting, too much can cause it to ooze out.
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Seal with toothpicks if needed: This is especially helpful if the chicken breast doesn’t close easily. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Cooking Methods – Oven-Baked vs. Pan-Seared + Oven
While you can bake the stuffed chicken entirely in the oven, I highly recommend searing it first in a skillet. This method gives you the best of both worlds, a beautiful golden crust from the sear and perfectly cooked, juicy meat from the gentle oven finish.
If you want to skip the stovetop, simply season the chicken and bake it in a preheated oven. Just note that you may not get the same crispy exterior.
Perfect Side Dishes for Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can turn it into a complete meal. Some excellent choices include:
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Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
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Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash: The creamy texture pairs beautifully with the cheesy filling.
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Steamed asparagus: Adds freshness and balances the richness of the chicken.
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Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra cheese or juices.
For a lighter option, serve it over a fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to prepare this recipe ahead of time, you can stuff the chicken breasts, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This makes it an excellent choice for dinner parties, all you have to do is pop them in the oven when guests arrive.
For leftovers:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
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Reheat: Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through to avoid drying out.
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Freeze: Wrap each stuffed breast in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Nutritional Benefits
While Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is undeniably indulgent, it can still fit into a balanced diet. Chicken breast is a lean source of protein, which helps support muscle repair and keeps you full longer. The herbs and garlic provide antioxidants, and you can lighten the dish by using reduced-fat cream cheese or adding vegetables to the filling.
Serving for Special Occasions
This recipe is perfect for:
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Holiday dinners: A great alternative to turkey or roast beef.
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Anniversaries or date nights: Elegant without being overly complicated.
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Family gatherings: Easy to scale up for a crowd.
If you want to make it extra special, serve the chicken sliced on a platter so the creamy filling is visible. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color.
Conclusion
Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is proof that you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The creamy, cheesy filling keeps the chicken moist and adds layers of flavor, while the golden-baked exterior delivers irresistible texture. Best of all, this recipe is versatile enough to fit into a busy weeknight or a celebratory dinner menu.
Whether you keep it classic or experiment with your own filling combinations, this dish is one that will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser, the kind of meal that turns ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.