Name: Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs; 1 cup marinara sauce; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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A delicious twist on the classic chicken parmesan, featuring juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy cheese, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and baked to golden perfection. This impressive dish combines the beloved flavors of traditional chicken parmesan with a rich, cheesy center that will delight your family and guests alike.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This stuffed chicken parmesan brings restaurant-quality dining to your home kitchen. The combination of crispy exterior and creamy, cheesy interior creates an irresistible texture contrast that elevates ordinary chicken breasts to something special. It's surprisingly easy to make despite its impressive appearance, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The classic Italian flavors appeal to almost everyone, and you can customize the dish to suit your preferences. Best of all, it's a complete protein-packed main course that pairs beautifully with simple sides like pasta, salad, or vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts serve as the foundation of this dish, providing lean protein and a neutral canvas for the flavorful filling and coating. Look for breasts that are uniform in size for even cooking, and ensure they're thick enough to create a good pocket for stuffing.

Cream cheese forms the base of the creamy filling, bringing richness and tanginess that perfectly complements the savory chicken. Allow it to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother filling consistency.

Mozzarella cheese adds that classic stretchy texture both inside the chicken and melted on top. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with the other ingredients while creating that signature cheese pull when you cut into the chicken.

Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, salty depth to the filling that enhances the overall flavor profile. Freshly grated offers the best flavor, but pre-grated will work in a pinch.

Fresh basil brings a bright, aromatic quality that lightens the rich filling. If unavailable, dried basil can substitute, though the flavor won't be quite as vibrant.

Garlic powder provides savory depth without the harshness of fresh garlic. It infuses the filling with that classic Italian flavor that makes chicken parmesan so beloved.

Italian seasoning creates a harmonious blend of herbs that elevates the entire dish. This convenient spice blend typically includes oregano, thyme, rosemary, and other Mediterranean herbs.

All-purpose flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken and forms the first layer of the crispy coating. It also helps seal in moisture during cooking.

Eggs act as the binding agent for the breadcrumb coating, ensuring it adheres properly to the chicken during cooking. Beat them well for the most even coating.

Seasoned breadcrumbs create that signature crispy exterior that defines chicken parmesan. They add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the finished dish.

Marinara sauce provides the classic tomato component of chicken parmesan, adding acidity to balance the rich cheese and protein. Use your favorite jarred variety or homemade sauce.

Olive oil helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown sear on the chicken before it goes into the oven, adding flavor and promoting even cooking.

Salt and pepper are fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Season to taste, keeping in mind that the cheeses already contribute saltiness.

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
Dredge each stuffed chicken breast in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and coat with seasoned breadcrumbs.
Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove the toothpicks from the chicken before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields 4 servings, making it perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 425 calories.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

This makes it feasible for a weeknight dinner if you're comfortable with the stuffing technique, or an excellent weekend meal when you have a bit more time to spend in the kitchen.

Variations

Spinach and Ricotta: Add thawed, well-drained frozen spinach to the cheese mixture for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Mix red pepper flakes into the cheese stuffing and use spicy marinara sauce for a kick.
Pesto Infusion: Replace the basil and some of the cream cheese with prepared pesto for a flavor-packed variation.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Grilled Instead of Baked: After pan-searing, finish the chicken on a medium-heat grill for a smoky flavor.
Mushroom Addition: Sauté mushrooms and add them to the cheese mixture for an earthy flavor profile.
Sun-Dried Tomato: Chop sun-dried tomatoes and mix them into the cheese filling for a tangy, sweet element.
Air Fryer Method: Cook the breaded chicken in an air fryer at 370°F for approximately 15-18 minutes before adding sauce and cheese and finishing in the oven.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before refrigerating.

Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Freeze the cooked chicken breasts individually wrapped in aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating in the Oven: For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.

Microwave Reheating: For a quicker option, microwave on 50% power for 2-3 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating which can make the chicken tough.

Freshening Up: Add a fresh spoonful of warm marinara sauce and a sprinkle of cheese before reheating to restore moisture and flavor.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The most reliable way to check if chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The chicken should also be opaque throughout with no pink areas.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff and bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

What sides pair well with stuffed chicken parmesan?

Classic pairings include spaghetti with marinara sauce, garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad or steamed broccoli.

How do I prevent the cheese filling from leaking out during cooking?

Ensure your pocket is well-sealed by using toothpicks to close the opening. Also, avoid overstuffing the chicken, and make sure the filling is cold when you stuff the chicken, which helps it stay in place during cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they're more difficult to stuff due to their irregular shape. Consider butterflying and pounding them flat, then rolling them around the filling instead.

Is there a way to make this recipe lower in calories?

Use light cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella. You can also bake the chicken instead of pan-searing it first, using cooking spray instead of oil on the breading.

What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

If you don't have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before adding the sauce and cheese and placing it in the oven.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for a quicker version?

While possible, pre-cooked chicken won't have the same juicy texture and may become dry. If using pre-cooked chicken, reduce the baking time significantly, just enough to melt the cheese and warm the filling.

How thick should the chicken breasts be for stuffing?

Ideally, the chicken breasts should be at least 1-inch thick to create a good pocket. If your chicken breasts are thin, you can pound them slightly to even them out, then fold them over the filling instead of making a pocket.

What's the best way to cut the pocket in the chicken?

Use a sharp knife and insert it into the thickest side of the chicken breast. Cut horizontally, keeping the knife parallel to the cutting board, creating a pocket while leaving about ½ inch uncut on three sides to form a pouch.

Conclusion

This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Parmesan transforms a beloved classic into an elevated dining experience that's surprisingly achievable at home. The combination of crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and creamy, flavorful filling creates a memorable dish that's sure to impress. Whether you're cooking for a special occasion or simply want to bring something new to your weeknight dinner rotation, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with straightforward preparation. The versatility of the recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Master this dish, and you'll have a go-to recipe that consistently delivers satisfaction and compliments around your dinner table.