Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dinner dish: chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese! Seriously, this recipe is a game changer. Picture tender, juicy chicken breasts bursting with a creamy, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. The contrast of the crispy breadcrumb coating with the rich, flavorful stuffing is just divine. I remember the first time I made this dish—my family couldn’t get enough! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions. Plus, it’s so versatile; you can tweak the filling however you like! Trust me, once you try this chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese, you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation. Let’s dive into this deliciousness together!
Ingredients List
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, freshly grated is best for flavor
- 1 cup breadcrumbs, plain or seasoned depending on your taste
- 1 cup marinara sauce, store-bought or homemade—your choice!
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, for that melty, gooey goodness
- 2 eggs, beaten—this helps the breadcrumbs stick
- 1 tsp garlic powder, for a punch of flavor
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, to bring a taste of Italy to your dish
- Salt and pepper to taste, don’t be shy with the seasoning!
How to Prepare Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
- First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure everything bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color.
- While the oven is heating, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s all creamy and smooth—this filling is going to be the star of the show!
- Now, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket in it. You want to create a nice space to stuff the creamy mixture inside, but be careful not to slice all the way through!
- Once you’ve got the pockets ready, fill each one generously with your cream cheese mixture. Don’t be shy—pack it in there!
- Next up, dip each stuffed chicken breast in the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere nicely.
- Then, coat each breast thoroughly with breadcrumbs. You want a nice, even layer for that crispy exterior!
- Place your chicken in a baking dish, then pour the marinara sauce over the top, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese. Yum!
- Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving—you don’t want to burn your mouth on that cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information
Just a little note before we dig in: the nutritional values for chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, as a rough estimate, each serving contains around 450 calories, 25g of fat, and 35g of protein. Enjoy this delicious dish while keeping in mind your own dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix it up with cheeses like ricotta or feta for a twist on the classic cream cheese filling. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to match!
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts and refrigerate them before baking. Just cover them tightly and bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy a hearty meal!
What can I serve with chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese?
Pair it with a simple side salad or some spaghetti tossed in marinara sauce. Garlic bread also makes a tasty addition for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container and freeze them. Just make sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying again!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to be sure, ensuring it’s juicy and safe to eat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The creamy filling adds a rich, delightful twist to classic chicken parmesan.
- With its crispy breadcrumb coating and melty cheese, it’s a flavor explosion!
- You can customize the filling with your favorite herbs or veggies for added flair.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser—great for family dinners or impressing dinner guests.
Tips for Success
To make sure your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, let the cream cheese sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing; this makes it easier to blend. If you want a crispy crust, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for extra crunch. Keep an eye on your chicken while it bakes—ovens can vary, so check for doneness a few minutes early. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some sautéed spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a delicious twist. Happy cooking!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix things up with your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese! For a creamier filling, try adding some ricotta or goat cheese along with the cream cheese. Want a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If you’re a veggie lover like me, consider folding in some chopped spinach, roasted red peppers, or even artichoke hearts into the filling for added flavor and texture. And don’t forget about herbs! Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish beautifully. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese, the options are deliciously endless! I love pairing it with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. You can also serve it over a bed of spaghetti or zoodles for a fun, low-carb twist. And, of course, a few slices of garlic bread are always a hit for soaking up that yummy marinara sauce! Enjoy your meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To store your chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese leftovers, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This helps maintain that crispy coating and creamy filling. You can also microwave individual portions, but be careful not to overcook them!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Honey Garlic Glazed Chicken or Classic Chicken Noodle Soup.
Imprimer
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese: 5 Reasons to Love It
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Low Carb
Description
Chicken parmesan stuffed with cream cheese is a flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a creamy filling and a crispy coating.
Ingrédients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff with the cream cheese mixture.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add spinach or herbs to the cream cheese filling.
- Serve with pasta or a side salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 25g
- Graisses Saturées: 12g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 8g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 1g
- La protéine: 35g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 120mg
Mots-clés: chicken parmesan, cream cheese, stuffed chicken
