Description
Delicious and creamy baked chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, and herbs. This easy-to-make recipe yields juicy, tender chicken with a cheesy filling perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Stuff the Chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the cheese filling.
- Fill the Chicken Breasts: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, pressing the filling inside firmly. Use toothpicks to secure the openings if needed, to keep the filling from spilling out during baking.
- Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish, spacing them evenly.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stuffed chicken breasts and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easy mixing and spreading.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- You can substitute herbs according to your preference or availability.
- To avoid spillage of filling, secure the pocket with toothpicks if needed and remove them before serving.
- Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
