Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Description

Juicy, tender chicken breasts stuffed with a rich and creamy garlic herb cream cheese filling, then cooked until golden and flavorful. This dish is the perfect combination of crispy outside and creamy, savory inside—making it an easy yet impressive meal for weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika

For the Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese

 Instructions

1. Prepare chicken:
   Slice a pocket into each chicken breast (be careful not to cut through completely).
2. Make filling:
   In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese until smooth.
3. Stuff chicken:
   Fill each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Season:
   Rub chicken with olive oil, then season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
5. Cook:
   • Oven Method: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes
   • Pan + Oven: Sear in a pan 2–3 minutes per side, then finish in oven
6. Serve:
   Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

• Don’t overstuff to prevent filling from leaking.
• Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing.
• Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
• Let chicken rest before cutting to keep juices inside.

Q&A

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time slightly.

Q: How do I keep the filling inside?
A: Use toothpicks or secure tightly when stuffing.

Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes, assemble and refrigerate, then cook when ready.

Q: Can I air fry this?
A: Yes! Air fry at 375°F for about 18–20 minutes.

Servings & Nutrition (Approx.)

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~360 kcal per serving
• Protein: 35 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g