Description
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe combines juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheeses and herbs, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs, pan-seared to a golden crisp, and baked with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella. It’s a comforting, flavorful Italian-American dish perfect for a family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Stuffing
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Breading and Topping
- 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)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken later.
- Prepare Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to form the stuffing.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the middle of each chicken breast without slicing through completely, to hold the cheese mixture.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared cheese filling. Use toothpicks to close and secure the opening if needed to prevent filling from spilling out.
- Bread the Chicken: Coat each stuffed breast first in all-purpose flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy crust.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each chicken breast for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, ensuring a good sear.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Spoon marinara sauce evenly over each seared chicken breast, then sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the cheese topping is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to ensure safe eating. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious stuffed Chicken Parmesan.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut through the chicken breast fully when creating the pocket to keep the filling sealed inside.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing for baking.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute for juicier meat.
- Use fresh herbs if possible for more vibrant flavor; dried herbs work as substitutes.
- Feel free to customize the filling with other herbs or add cooked spinach for extra nutrition.
