Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese: 7 Irresistible Tips

chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese

By:

Julia marin

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite dishes: chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese. Seriously, this meal is a game changer! Imagine tender chicken breasts, bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling that takes the classic flavors of chicken parmesan to a whole new level. Each bite is like a warm hug from the inside. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests at dinner parties.

chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese - detail 1

What I adore most about this dish is the way the cream cheese melds beautifully with the mozzarella and parmesan, creating that rich, gooey texture that makes you want to go back for seconds—maybe even thirds! And don’t even get me started on the marinara sauce drizzled on top; it’s the perfect tangy complement to the cheesy goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients List

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

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Alright, let’s get cooking! This step-by-step guide will walk you through making the most amazing chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese. I promise you, it’s easier than it sounds and totally worth it!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because starting with a hot oven helps your chicken cook evenly and ensures that crispy, golden coating we all love. So, don’t skip this step—set that oven and let it work its magic while you prepare the rest!

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Now, let’s whip up that delicious cheese filling! In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. I like to use a fork or a spatula to really mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. You want every bite to be packed with that cheesy goodness, so make sure everything is well blended. Trust me, the aroma alone will have you excited!

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Next up, we’re going to stuff those chicken breasts! Take your two large chicken breasts and carefully cut a pocket in each one. You want to slice them horizontally but be careful not to cut all the way through—just enough to create a nice pocket. Now, fill each pocket generously with that creamy cheese mixture. Don’t worry if you overstuff a little; it just means more cheesy goodness! Just make sure the chicken stays intact.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Once your chicken is stuffed, it’s time to coat them! Grab a shallow dish and beat the egg in it. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs until it’s nicely covered. This creates that crunchy exterior we crave! I like to press down a bit to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well—no one likes a naked chicken, right?

Step 5: Baking the Chicken

Now that your chicken is all dressed up, place them in a baking dish. It’s super important to pour the marinara sauce over the top of each chicken breast. This keeps them moist and adds that rich flavor we love in chicken parmesan. Make sure they’re nestled nicely in the sauce so they can soak up all that goodness while they bake!

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. As a final flourish, sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top and return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. This will get that cheese all melty and delicious! The smell will be irresistible, and I can guarantee you’ll be counting down the minutes!

Nutritional Information

Before I share the delicious details, let’s chat about the nutritional info! Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a rough estimate for one stuffed chicken breast:

  • Calories: 350
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Protein: 30g

So, there you have it! A tasty, satisfying meal that won’t wreck your diet. It’s perfect for a hearty dinner and packed with protein to keep you feeling full and happy. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s a delicious twist on classic chicken parmesan, bringing a creamy filling that elevates the dish.
  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
  • The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan creates an irresistible, gooey texture.
  • It’s versatile—you can easily customize it with your favorite herbs or spices.
  • Serves up beautifully with marinara sauce, making each bite bursting with flavor.
  • This dish is a crowd-pleaser—perfect for impressing family and friends alike!
  • Leftovers are just as tasty, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches.

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my tried-and-true tips that’ll help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a delicious outcome every time.

  • Use a meat thermometer: To avoid undercooking or overcooking your chicken, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.
  • Don’t skip the softening: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. If it’s too cold, you won’t get that smooth, creamy filling. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you start.
  • Season generously: Don’t forget to season your chicken with salt and pepper before stuffing! A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing the flavor of the chicken itself.
  • Keep it moist: If you find your chicken breasts are too lean, you can add a little olive oil to the breadcrumbs or even mix some marinara sauce into the cheese filling for extra moisture.
  • Let it rest: After baking, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
  • Customize your herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can add a lovely flavor boost to your cheese filling. Just chop them finely and mix them in!
  • Watch the baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your chicken during the last few minutes of baking. You want that golden crust without drying it out.
  • Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven while the cheese is melty and gooey. If you wait too long, you might lose that wonderful texture!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create an amazing chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese that’ll wow everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up a bit, there are so many fun variations you can try with your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese. Here are some of my favorites that will keep your taste buds dancing!

  • Cheese Lovers Delight: Swap out the mozzarella for provolone or gouda for a different flavor. You can also add some crumbled feta for a tangy twist!
  • Herb-Infused: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme into the cheese filling for a burst of fresh flavor. I love the way basil complements the marinara sauce!
  • Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture. It adds a zing that pairs wonderfully with the creaminess!
  • Vegetable Boost: For a healthier option, finely chop some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers and mix them into the cheese filling. It not only adds flavor but also a pop of color!
  • Stuff it with Pesto: Replace the cream cheese with pesto for a fresh, herby filling. It’s a fantastic way to elevate the dish and give it a unique twist.
  • Different Sauces: Instead of marinara, try using Alfredo sauce or a creamy garlic sauce. It’ll change the flavor profile entirely while still being oh-so-delicious!
  • Serving Style: For a fun presentation, serve your stuffed chicken over a bed of pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) with extra marinara drizzled on top. You can even add a sprinkle of parmesan for that extra touch!

No matter how you choose to customize your chicken parmesan, I guarantee it’ll be a hit at your dinner table. Happy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese and now you’ve got some leftovers? No worries! I’ve got you covered on how to store them properly so you can enjoy that cheesy goodness later without losing any flavor or texture.

First, let those stuffed chicken breasts cool down to room temperature before storing them. You don’t want to trap steam in the container, as that can make the chicken soggy. Once they’ve cooled, you can transfer them to an airtight container. If you want to keep things extra fresh, you can layer some parchment paper between the chicken and the lid. This helps absorb any moisture and keeps that crispy coating intact!

Now, for storage, these beauties can hang out in your refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can absolutely freeze them! Just wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer. Just remember to label them with the date so you know when you made them!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply take them out of the fridge or freezer. If they’re frozen, let them thaw in the fridge overnight for the best results. For reheating, I recommend using the oven or toaster oven to keep that crispy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and cover it loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat for about 20-25 minutes if refrigerated, or 30-40 minutes if frozen, until heated through.

If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be cautious! Microwave on medium power in short intervals (about 1-2 minutes) to avoid making the chicken rubbery. Just keep an eye on it! You want it warm and delicious, not overcooked.

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese days later, and it’ll still taste fabulous. Enjoy every bite!

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chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese: 7 Irresistible Tips


  • Autor: Julia marin
  • Całkowity Czas: 50 minutes
  • Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
  • Dieta: Niskokaloryczne

Opis

Chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese is a delicious and creamy dish that combines the flavors of chicken and cheese.


Składniki

Skala
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instrukcje

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the cheese mixture.
  4. Dip each stuffed chicken in egg and coat with breadcrumbs.
  5. Place chicken in a baking dish and pour marinara sauce on top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
  7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Uwagi

  • Serve with pasta or a side salad.
  • You can add herbs for extra flavor.
  • Make sure chicken is fully cooked before serving.
  • Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
  • Czas gotowania: 35 minutes
  • Kategoria: Main Course
  • Sposób: Baking
  • Kuchnia: Italian

Zasilanie

  • Wielkość porcji: 1 stuffed chicken breast
  • Kalorie: 350
  • Cukier: 2g
  • Sód: 800mg
  • Kwasy: 20g
  • Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
  • Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
  • Tłuszcze trans: 0g
  • Węglowodany: 15g
  • Włókno: 1g
  • Białko: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Słowa kluczowe: chicken parmesan, cream cheese, stuffed chicken

O mnie

Cześć, nazywam się Julia, jestem sercem Vihaad Rrzepisy i pasjonatką dobrej kuchni. Moja miłość do gotowania zaczęła się w dzieciństwie, inspirowana pysznymi posiłkami mojej babci. Dziś dzielę się smacznymi przepisami, które łączą ludzi poprzez wspólne delektowanie się jedzeniem.

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