If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food with a dash of Italian flair, you’re in for a treat! Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a mouthwatering twist on the classic—it’s tender, golden-seared chicken breasts filled with a dreamy, herbed cream cheese filling, smothered in tangy marinara, then showered with a blanket of melty mozzarella and Parmesan. Every bite oozes with rich flavor and is guaranteed to impress at your dinner table, whether it’s a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is that it uses simple, familiar ingredients, yet the final result tastes restaurant-worthy. Each item adds something special, whether it’s richness, creaminess, savory depth, or a pop of color.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are your canvas for stuffing, offering lean protein and a juicy base for all those flavors.
Cream cheese, softened: The heart of the filling—softened cream cheese brings creamy tang and a luscious texture.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully both inside and on top, making every bite deliciously gooey.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds classic nutty flavor that’s essential for the “Parmesan” flair!
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the dish with herby, savory aromas.
Garlic powder: For mellow garlicky depth without the effort of fresh garlic.
Salt and black pepper: Crucial for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors in the dish.
Marinara sauce: The zesty, tomato-rich sauce that gives the dish its saucy appeal.
Mozzarella cheese (for topping): The secret to that irresistible bubbly, golden finish.
Parmesan cheese (for topping): A final dusting of sharp, salty flavor to pull everything together.
Olive oil: For a gorgeous golden sear that locks in juices and flavor.
Fresh basil, for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color just before serving.

How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board and, with a sharp knife, gently slice a pocket into the side—being careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket is where all that delicious creamy filling will go!

Step 2: Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a small mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until you have a thick, well-blended mixture that’s flecked with herbs and totally irresistible.

Step 3: Stuff and Secure the Chicken

Gently fill each chicken pocket with the cream cheese mixture, distributing it evenly among the breasts. If needed, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep all that goodness tucked inside while cooking. It might get a little messy, but trust me—it’s worth it!

Step 4: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 3 to 4 minutes per side until the outsides are beautifully golden and the skin starts to crisp. This step locks in juiciness and is key for building flavor.

Step 5: Add Sauce and Cheese

Once the chicken is seared, pour your marinara sauce over and around the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sprinkle each piece generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese for the ultimate gooey, bubbly top.

Step 6: Bake Until Perfect

Transfer the whole skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbling and golden. Your kitchen will smell downright heavenly!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Finish each plate with a sprinkle of fresh basil for a burst of color and fresh, herby aroma.

How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or a few shreds of extra Parmesan really elevates the look and freshness of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese. For a dash of color, try a scattering of diced tomatoes or a dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving.

Side Dishes

Pair this dish with spaghetti or your favorite pasta to soak up all that saucy goodness. It’s also wonderful with zucchini noodles if you’re aiming for a lighter side, or a fresh green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese into an eye-catching centerpiece by arranging the stuffed breasts in a serving dish and topping with extra basil leaves and colorful cherry tomatoes. For an elegant touch, serve it sliced to show off that creamy filling, with a drizzle of extra sauce on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The filling stays creamy, and the flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, making for wonderful next-day lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze stuffed, uncooked chicken breasts for up to two months—just wrap them tightly in plastic and foil, then thaw in the fridge before baking as directed. If freezing leftovers, store in individual portions for easy defrosting and reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 15–20 minutes. This keeps the chicken moist and the cheese nice and melty. The microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gives the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! While chicken breasts provide a neat pocket for stuffing, boneless thighs can also be used—just note they’re a bit smaller and may require less filling and a slightly shorter baking time.

What’s the best way to prevent the filling from leaking out?

Secure the chicken pockets with toothpicks and don’t overstuff them. Searing the chicken before baking also helps create a seal, keeping that decadent cream cheese mixture inside where it belongs.

Is there a lower-fat option for this recipe?

Yes, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella to lighten things up a bit without sacrificing too much creaminess or flavor.

Can I make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese ahead of time?

Definitely—prep and stuff the chicken breasts up to a day ahead. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to sear and bake for ultra-quick dinner prep.

What’s the best way to tell if the chicken is fully cooked?

The easiest and safest way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken; you’re aiming for 165°F. This ensures juicy chicken and creamy, fully melted cheese inside.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a surefire crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is the answer. Just wait until you cut into that golden, cheesy chicken and see the creamy, herby filling spill out! Give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked from the very first creamy, cheesy, saucy bite.

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this decadent Chicken Parmesan stuffed with creamy, cheesy goodness. Each bite is a perfect blend of tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and gooey mozzarella, all topped with a savory marinara sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

For Topping:

1 cup marinara sauce
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F.
Prepare Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, seasonings. Stuff chicken with mixture.
Sear Chicken: Sear stuffed chicken in olive oil until golden brown.
Add Sauce: Pour marinara over chicken, top with cheeses.
Bake: Bake in the oven until chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Garnish with basil before serving.