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Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 30 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

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

  1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts after searing.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add marinara and cheese. Spoon marinara sauce over each seared chicken breast and sprinkle with additional shredded mozzarella cheese for a classic topping.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.