If you’re looking for a comforting dish that combines melty cheese with crispy chicken and rich Italian flavors, this Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe is about to become your new go-to dinner. Imagine tender chicken breasts packed with a luscious blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all baked in a savory marinara sauce until golden and bubbly. It’s an irresistible combination that feels indulgent without being complicated, and perfect for impressing family or friends at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From fresh seasonings to creamy cheeses and crispy coatings, these simple essentials come together beautifully.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a sturdy base for stuffing.
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened): Adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling together.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Gives a gooey, stretchy texture that’s pure comfort food.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that complements the creamier cheeses perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the filling with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that adds authentic Italian flair and brightness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of heat for balance.
- 1 cup marinara sauce: The tomato sauce base that keeps the chicken moist and adds tangy sweetness.
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden crust on the outside for textural contrast.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, ensuring a perfect crust.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a subtle fruity flavor.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional): Adds a pop of green color and fresh herbal aroma at the end.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready when your chicken is prepped. Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each boneless chicken breast with a sharp knife, making sure not to slice all the way through—this pocket will hold your creamy filling and make every bite deliciously cheesy.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture bursting with flavor. This filling is the heart of the dish, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Using a spoon, stuff each chicken pocket evenly with your cheese mixture. If the opening feels loose, secure it with toothpicks to make sure the filling stays inside while cooking. You want that cheesy center to remain perfectly intact as the chicken bakes.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Set up your breading station by beating the eggs in a shallow bowl and placing the Italian-style breadcrumbs in another. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first in the beaten eggs, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs. This coating will develop into a golden, crispy crust soaking up some olive oil flavor.
Step 5: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully add the coated chicken breasts and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully golden. This step gives you that signature crispy exterior that contrasts so well with the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken in the skillet, then transfer the whole pan to your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese filling is hot and bubbling. This final step melds all the flavors and finishes cooking the chicken through.
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a delightful, classic garnish for this dish. Their bright green color and slightly sweet, peppery aroma add a fresh contrast to the rich, cheesy chicken. Sprinkle torn basil leaves over the top just before serving to elevate both flavor and presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair this stuffed chicken with hearty sides like garlic roasted vegetables or a crisp Caesar salad to brighten the plate. For a comforting, classic combo, creamy mashed potatoes or buttered pasta tossed with fresh herbs work beautifully to soak up the marinara sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style meal, arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a large platter with extra marinara sauce drizzled on top and scattered basil leaves. Alternatively, slice the chicken after baking to reveal the cheese-stuffed center, and serve individual portions topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-quality touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken Parmesan stuffed with cream cheese in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more, making it a fantastic next-day meal or lunch.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stuffed chicken by wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to enjoy the same creamy goodness later on.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warm throughout. This method keeps the crust crispier than microwaving, which can sometimes make the breadcrumbs soggy. Add a splash of marinara sauce over the chicken before reheating to keep it moist.
FAQs
Can I use other cheeses instead of cream cheese in this recipe?
While cream cheese offers a smooth, creamy texture that’s essential for the filling, you can experiment by mixing ricotta or mascarpone, but keep in mind the texture and moisture levels will vary. Cream cheese also helps the filling hold together well during cooking.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing the chicken first creates a delicious golden crust and adds extra flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and bake directly in the marinara sauce. The texture may be less crispy but still tasty.
Can I make this recipe low carb or keto-friendly?
Absolutely! To keep it low carb, swap out Italian-style breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour for breading. Using light cream cheese and baking instead of frying further reduces calories and carbs.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking?
Make sure you create a nice deep pocket without cutting through the chicken entirely, and don’t overstuff. Securing the openings with toothpicks also helps keep everything neatly inside while cooking.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Dairy-free versions are tricky because cream cheese and mozzarella are key to the creamy texture and flavor. However, using dairy-free cream cheese and non-dairy shredded cheese alternatives could work but expect differences in taste and melting quality.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special and comforting all at once. It’s perfect for a weeknight when you want something satisfying that doesn’t require complicated steps. Treat your loved ones to this cheesy, crispy, saucy delight and watch it quickly become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate—give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
A delicious Italian-American main course featuring boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, seasoned with garlic powder and Italian herbs. The chicken is coated in Italian-style breadcrumbs, pan-seared for a golden crust, then baked to perfection in marinara sauce until juicy and flavorful. Perfect for a comforting dinner with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Breading and Cooking
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating space to stuff.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly mixed to form the creamy cheese filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed to keep the filling inside while cooking.
- Bread the Chicken: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl. Place breadcrumbs in another bowl. Dip each stuffed chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, creating a delicious crust.
- Add Sauce and Bake: Pour marinara sauce over the seared chicken breasts in the skillet. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with fresh basil if desired, remove toothpicks, and serve hot for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.
Notes
- To reduce calories, opt for light cream cheese and skip the searing step, baking the stuffed chicken directly.
- You can substitute Italian-style breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
- For additional nutrition, add chopped spinach to the cheese filling before stuffing the chicken breasts.
