Description
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe offers a delightful twist on a classic Italian favorite. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil, then breaded and pan-seared to golden perfection before baking with marinara sauce and melted cheese on top. Perfect for a comforting and impressive dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 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
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
Cooking and Topping
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts after searing.
- Prepare the cheese filling. In a small bowl, mix together softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Create pockets in the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit through the middle of each chicken breast to form a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff the chicken. Spoon the prepared cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Bread the chicken. First, dredge each stuffed chicken breast in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs to form an even crust.
- Sear the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the breaded chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Add marinara and cheese. Spoon marinara sauce over each seared chicken breast and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese for a classic topping.
- Bake in the oven. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Serve. Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before plating and enjoy your creamy, cheesy stuffed Chicken Parmesan.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- To keep the chicken moist, do not overbake; monitor the cheese browning.
- Fresh basil adds a bright flavor, but dried basil can be substituted if needed (use about 1 teaspoon).
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor or add your own Italian seasonings to plain breadcrumbs.
- To make the process easier, you can butterfly the chicken breasts instead of making a pocket.