Creamy Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese – Best Easy Dinner Recipe!

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, a delightful twist on the classic chicken parmesan that will elevate your dinner game. This dish features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy mixture, then breaded and baked to golden perfection. Each bite is a delicious explosion of flavors, combining the classic taste of marinara sauce, melty mozzarella, and the luxurious creaminess of cream cheese. Perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or impressing guests, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering dish that will make your taste buds sing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Filling: The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory chicken and marinara sauce beautifully.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this dish is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of flavors creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
• Versatile: Serve it with pasta, a fresh salad, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Impressive Presentation: The stuffed chicken looks elegant and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients List

For the Chicken:

• ✔️ 🔹 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ✔️ 🔹 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ✔️ 🔹 Salt and pepper to taste

For the Breaded Coating:

• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ✔️ 🔹 2 large eggs, beaten
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably Italian-style)
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon paprika
• ✔️ 🔹 Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking)

For Serving:

• ✔️ 🔹 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• ✔️ 🔹 Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set the Temperature: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

2. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling

• Mix Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken

• Flatten the Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).

4. Stuff the Chicken

• Fill and Roll: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese filling onto one side of each chicken breast. Carefully roll the chicken up, starting from the filled side, and secure with toothpicks if needed.

5. Bread the Chicken

• Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with oregano and paprika.
• Coat the Chicken: Dredge each stuffed chicken roll in flour, shaking off the excess. Dip into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.

6. Bake the Chicken

• Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the breaded chicken rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for a golden finish.
• Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

7. Add Marinara Sauce

• Top with Sauce: In the last 5 minutes of baking, spoon marinara sauce over the chicken and sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese on top. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Cool and Serve

• Rest the Chicken: Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
• Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve with extra marinara sauce on the side.

Pro Tip: For a crispy coating, broil the chicken for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking to achieve a golden finish!

Variations & Substitutions

• Add Spinach: Mix in some chopped fresh spinach with the cream cheese filling for added nutrition and flavor.
• Different Cheeses: Substitute the mozzarella with provolone or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes to the cream cheese filling for a spicy kick.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, stuffed chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave for a quick option.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work well for this recipe, and they’ll add extra juiciness to the dish.

What can I serve with this dish?
This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.

Conclusion

This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic favorite, combining the creamy richness of cheese with the savory goodness of chicken. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍗🧀🍝

Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese

Pin Recipe

This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends! 🍗🧀✨

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
3. Stuff Chicken: Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast. Stuff each pocket generously with the cheese mixture.
4. Coat Chicken: Dip each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil, then coat with Italian breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Bake: Place the breaded chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Add Marinara: In the last 5 minutes of baking, spoon marinara sauce over each chicken breast and sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese. Return to the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, and garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve with pasta or a side salad for a complete meal! ❤️🍽️

• Author: Sara