If you’re searching for pure comfort food with a wow factor, let me introduce you to Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken breasts bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling, topped with melty mozzarella, robust marinara, and finished with a nutty parmesan blanket—all baked to bubbly perfection. This dish takes your favorite classic up a flavorful notch, and it’s just the thing to impress family at the Sunday table or delight guests at a cozy dinner. It’s rich, satisfying, surprisingly easy to put together, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This lineup proves you don’t need a long list for big flavor. Each ingredient in Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese serves a crucial purpose, whether it’s adding creaminess, a crispy finish, or that kiss of herby Italian flair.
- Chicken breasts: Look for large, boneless, skinless pieces so you can create the perfect pocket for that luscious filling.
- Cream cheese (softened): The velvety base of the stuffing, making every bite impossibly creamy and rich.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds melty goodness and stretches throughout the filling for that classic Italian touch.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Provides nutty depth in both the filling and the topping, making this a true Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese experience.
- Garlic powder: A must for that gentle, aromatic punch that wakes up the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: Offers a balanced blend of herbs to evoke bold, familiar Italian flavors.
- Salt: Just enough to highlight all the savory notes and prevent blandness.
- Black pepper: Gives a mild kick and balances out the cheese’s richness.
- Marinara sauce: Brings acidity, color, and classic Italian warmth to the whole ensemble.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: The secret to that mouthwatering, golden crunch on the outside.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken and creating a sturdy crust.
- Olive oil: For a golden sear and subtle flavor; pick a good quality extra-virgin if you can.
- Fresh basil (optional): A fragrant, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of green and a hit of freshness at the end.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—this ensures that once your skillet hits the oven, everything cooks evenly. Next, grab those plump chicken breasts and, with a good sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each one. Go slow, and try not to slice all the way through, so your delicious filling will have nowhere to escape!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s well blended into a decadent, creamy mixture—this is the secret layer inside your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese!
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Generously spoon the cream cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, packing as much as you can without overfilling. If needed, secure each one with toothpicks to keep all that creamy, cheesy goodness from escaping during cooking.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Set up a little assembly line: in one shallow bowl, beat the eggs; in another, pour in your Italian breadcrumbs. Take each stuffed chicken breast, dip it first in the egg, and then dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks perfectly, guaranteeing a crisp, golden result.
Step 5: Sear for Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Gently lay in the breaded chicken breasts and sear for 2–3 minutes per side, just until they’re deliciously golden. This not only locks in moisture but promises a flavor-packed crust.
Step 6: Add Marinara & Bake
Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the seared chicken, making sure each piece gets a cozy tomato bath. Move the skillet to your preheated oven, and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F) and the filling is bubbling away in its little pocket. Your kitchen will smell irresistible!
Step 7: Finish & Serve
Take the skillet out of the oven and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Remove any toothpicks you used, then sprinkle with freshly torn basil for a final flourish. Prepare yourself for the melty, oozy reveal—this is Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese in all its glory!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
Finish your plate with torn fresh basil and a touch more grated parmesan. The emerald-green basil lifts the look and adds herbal freshness, while the extra cheese creates an irresistible flourish. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil on top never goes amiss.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, some buttery garlic bread, or a side of roasted veggies like asparagus or broccolini. For a comfort food feast, spoon extra marinara over cooked pasta and serve it alongside—the contrast is pure magic.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice each chicken breast on a diagonal to show off the swirl of cheesy filling, and arrange atop a rustic wooden board for an eye-catching entrée. Or, plate atop a bed of marinara with a crown of basil and a sprinkle of parmesan for restaurant vibes at home. This dish also shines as the star of a cozy Italian-inspired family-style platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Just wrap the chicken breasts tightly in foil or place in an airtight container and use within 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making day-two even more decadent.
Freezing
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap each breast individually or store them in a freezer bag. This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for dinner in a pinch.
Reheating
Reheat chilled or thawed Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese in a 350°F oven (covered with foil to avoid drying out) for about 15 minutes or until heated through. For leftovers that taste freshly made, avoid microwaving unless you’re in a hurry—the oven delivers a better texture and keeps that creamy filling just right.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese blend for the filling?
Absolutely! Swap in fontina, provolone, or even a bit of ricotta for fun variations. The core of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is the creamy texture, so as long as you keep that rich base, feel free to get creative.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and verify the marinara sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe stays exactly the same, so nobody misses out on flavor.
Can I prep the stuffed chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the stuffed, breaded chicken breasts up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Let them warm up at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking for the best results.
What’s the best way to seal the stuffed chicken?
To keep that glorious filling inside, use toothpicks to gently close up the pockets after stuffing. Be sure to remove them before serving! This technique helps your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese stay neatly wrapped during cooking.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
For a lighter twist, use light cream cheese and bake the breaded chicken without searing. You can also swap in part-skim mozzarella and add a handful of chopped spinach to the filling for an extra burst of nutrition in your Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, you’ll never look at weeknight chicken the same way again! It’s the perfect mix of comfort and wow-factor, with that gooey, tangy cheese center and classic Italian flavors running throughout. Gather your ingredients and get ready for a dinner everyone will ask for again and again. Buon appetito!
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: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this delicious twist on a classic Chicken Parmesan dish with a creamy surprise inside each bite. Cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a rich filling that complements the tender chicken perfectly. Baked to golden perfection and topped with marinara sauce, this dish is a sure crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling:
- 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
Coating and Sauce:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garnish:
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Fill each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Cook the chicken: Sear the chicken in olive oil until golden. Pour marinara sauce over the chicken and bake in the oven for 25–30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- To reduce calories, use light cream cheese and bake instead of frying.
- Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or add spinach to the filling for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 47 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg
