Lean white meat gets a sumptuous upgrade in this easy one-pan Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for their high protein, low fat and calorie content, and affordability. While often criticized for being dry, this lean cut of meat can be transformed into a rich, decadent meal with the addition of dairy. This herby cream cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe is a testament to that, offering a delightful twist on a weeknight staple.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This chicken stuffed with cream cheese should be at the top of your list when you need a deeply satisfying main course. With just 333 calories and 2 grams of carbs per serving, it's easy to incorporate into various diets. Beyond the nutritional benefits, the recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations to suit individual preferences.
Ingredient Spotlight
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this recipe. White meat chicken breast is 80% protein by calorie content, surpassed only by egg whites and some white fish.
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients:
- Cream Cheese: Opt for block-style, full-fat cream cheese for optimal results.
- Fresh Parsley, Thyme, Rosemary, & Oregano: This combination of fresh herbs adds a bright complexity to the dish. Dried herbs can be substituted if fresh ones are unavailable.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is preferred, but jarred minced garlic or garlic paste can also be used.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose whole boneless chicken breasts, avoiding the thinly cut varieties.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika adds warmth and promotes a beautiful golden-brown color to the chicken.
- Kosher Salt, Black Pepper, & Olive Oil: These are the essential basics for seasoning and cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This dinner comes together in just a few simple steps:
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Step 1: Prep Filling. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and minced garlic.
Step 2: Slice & Fill. Lay the chicken breasts on a plate or cutting board and carefully cut in from one side (but don’t cut all the way through!), creating a butterfly cut. Open each chicken breast and spread one half with the cream cheese mixture.
Step 3: Season. Sprinkle both sides of the stuffed chicken breast with the salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Pan Sear Chicken. Heat the oil over medium-high heat in an oven-safe skillet. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish for the second half of cooking.
Step 5: Bake Chicken. Once the stuffed chicken has been browned on both sides, place the pan directly in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165F.
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Variations and Tips
While the basic recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking:
- Wrap It Up: For an extra layer of flavor, wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon. Partially cook the bacon before wrapping to ensure it crisps up at the same time as the chicken cooks. Secure the bacon with wooden skewers.
- Freezer Trick: To make it easier to butterfly the chicken breasts, freeze them for 10-20 minutes beforehand.
- Pan Smarts: Use a heavy-bottomed, oven-safe pan or skillet to avoid having to transfer the chicken to a separate baking dish. Cast iron works well.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Add Veggies: Mix chopped bell pepper into the cream cheese filling for added flavor and nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy oven-baked stuffed chicken recipe pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Pasta Night: Serve with cheesy pastina, creamy cottage cheese alfredo, or hidden veggie pasta sauce.
- Spectacular Spuds: A side of truffle mashed potatoes will elevate this chicken dinner.
- Bready or Not: Offer a sliced garlic bread baguette or cheesy crescent roll garlic knots to soak up the juices and cheese filling.
- Low-Carb Options: Serve with veggie sides or whole grains to increase fiber intake.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook cheese stuffed chicken breast?
The cooking time depends on oven temperature, pan type, and chicken breast size. Pan-frying/searing takes about 5 minutes, followed by 30 minutes in the oven. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF for food safety. If it's a few degrees short, cover it with foil to allow carryover cooking to finish the process.
Can you bake chicken with cream cheese?
Yes! Searing the cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts first enhances flavor, then baking in the oven completes the cooking process.
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Other Flavor Combinations
- Spinach and Cheese: Combine cream cheese with spinach, parmesan, and mozzarella for a gooey and delicious filling.
- Mediterranean: Mix cream cheese with feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives for a taste of the Mediterranean.
- Jalapeno Popper: Add diced jalapenos and cheddar cheese to the cream cheese for a spicy kick.
Keto-Friendly Adaptations
For a keto-friendly version, consider these modifications:
- Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon.
- Use a filling of cream cheese, chives, and bacon.
- Serve with low-carb vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.