Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Looking for a dinner that’s easy to make, delicious, and sure to impress? Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is the perfect choice! This dish combines the crispy, savory goodness of chicken parmesan with a creamy, indulgent cream cheese filling that will take your taste buds on a delicious journey. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
What is Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese?
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a twist on the classic Italian chicken parmesan. The chicken breasts are butterflied and stuffed with a luscious cream cheese filling, then coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust and baked to perfection. This indulgent dish is covered in marinara sauce and topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese, delivering all the flavors you love about chicken parmesan, but with an extra creamy surprise inside!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Indulgent and Creamy: The cream cheese filling makes this chicken parmesan extra creamy and rich.
- Perfectly Crispy: The breadcrumb coating gives the chicken a crispy, golden crust that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling.
- Easy to Make: Despite the elegant presentation, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a great way to serve a beloved Italian classic with a fun twist that will please everyone at the dinner table.
- Versatile: This dish can be served with a variety of sides like pasta, salad, or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Tender, juicy chicken breasts that form the base of this dish.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened – Provides a rich, creamy filling.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Adds a gooey, melty texture to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped – Adds a fresh, herby flavor to the stuffing.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – A subtle garlic flavor that complements the creamy filling.
- Salt and pepper – To taste.
For the Coating:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs – For a crispy, golden crust.
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds flavor and a bit of salty richness to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic Italian herb to season the crust.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the flavor of the breadcrumb coating.
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce – A classic, tangy tomato sauce to pour over the chicken.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For topping the chicken and creating a melty, gooey finish.
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese – Adds a finishing touch of cheesy goodness.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butterfly the 4 chicken breasts by cutting a horizontal slit along the side of each breast, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This is where the cream cheese filling will go.
Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup softened cream cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, carefully securing the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside while baking.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies
In a shallow bowl, combine 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Roll each stuffed chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated on all sides.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
Place the breaded, stuffed chicken breasts on a greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Add the Sauce and Cheese
While the chicken bakes, heat 2 cups marinara sauce in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the chicken is cooked, remove the toothpicks and pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts. Top with 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy Potsticker Soup with Mushrooms Bok Choy
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy your delicious Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
This dish is perfect on its own but pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Spaghetti or pasta: A classic pairing with chicken parmesan. Serve with marinara or Alfredo sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
- Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the marinara sauce.
- Steamed vegetables: Try broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side.
- Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, serve this dish with cauliflower rice.
Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
- Use fresh chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture. You can also use thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Make sure to seal the chicken well after stuffing it to prevent the filling from leaking out while baking.
- Customize the filling: Add extra ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the cream cheese mixture for more flavor.
- Use fresh mozzarella for an extra gooey, creamy texture, but shredded mozzarella works just fine too.
- To make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a bit of heat.
Can I Make This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for an easy, make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will stay extra moist while baking.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
You can use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy coating or crush some crackers or cornflakes as an alternative.
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Yes! You can freeze the stuffed and breaded chicken breasts before baking. Just place them on a baking sheet, freeze them until solid, and then store in a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pasta
Why You Should Try Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is the perfect blend of classic Italian flavors with an indulgent, creamy twist. The creamy filling pairs beautifully with the crispy coating, and the marinara sauce and melted cheese make it an unforgettable meal. This easy-to-make recipe is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home, making it ideal for family dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.