Description
This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy twist on the classic dish. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, then coated in crispy breadcrumbs and baked to perfection. Finished with marinara sauce and melted cheese, this recipe is perfect for a comforting dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Topping
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce
- Additional mozzarella cheese for topping (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Stuff the chicken: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket generously with the cream cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating all around the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Place the breadcrumb-coated stuffed chicken breasts into a greased baking dish. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the filling inside has melted.
- Finish with sauce: Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon marinara sauce over each breast. Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top, then return to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh basil if using, and serve alongside your choice of pasta or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Be careful when cutting the pocket in the chicken breasts to avoid slicing all the way through.
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing and stuffing.
- To keep the stuffing inside, secure the opening with toothpicks before coating in breadcrumbs.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a lower-carb option, substitute breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American