A Tasty Treat: Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Although chicken breast is frequently regarded as a lean, adaptable protein, improper preparation can occasionally make it taste a bit dry or bland. Stuffing chicken with a flavourful, creamy filling is one of the best ways to up your game. Cream cheese serves as the ideal foundation for this recipe’s rich, moist filling, which will leave your chicken breast soft, flavourful, and delicious.
A simple, crowd-pleasing recipe that will please everyone’s palate is Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, which you can cook for a special dinner for guests or as a quick midweek supper.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Card
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 4 large pieces | Boneless, skinless, pounded to an even thickness. |
| Cream cheese | 8 oz | Softened for a creamy filling. |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | Adds flavor to the filling. |
| Spinach (optional) | 1 cup | Chopped, fresh or frozen, for added nutrition. |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1/2 cup | For a gooey, cheesy filling. |
| Dried herbs (optional) | 1 tsp | Thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning work well. |
| Salt and pepper | To taste | Adjust according to your preference. |
| Olive oil or butter | 1-2 tbsp | For cooking the chicken. |
| Toothpicks or kitchen twine | As needed | To secure the chicken after stuffing. |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Rinse and dry chicken breasts, then slice a pocket into each breast, being careful not to slice through. |
| 3 | In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional spinach, mozzarella, and herbs. |
| 4 | Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. |
| 5 | Heat 1-2 tbsp olive oil or butter in an oven-safe skillet or air fryer basket. |
| 6 | Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side in the skillet, or lightly spray with oil in the air fryer. |
| 7 | If using the skillet, transfer to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. If using the air fryer, cook for 15-20 minutes. |
| 8 | Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally, then rest for 5-10 minutes. |
| 9 | Remove toothpicks or twine, slice, and serve with your favorite sides. |
Tips
- Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for more consistent cooking.
- Feel free to customize the filling with cooked bacon, herbs, or other vegetables.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast! 🍗🧀
Why Opt for Chicken Breast Stuffed with Cream Cheese?
Moisture and Flavour: Cream cheese keeps the chicken from drying out by adding moisture and richness.
Versatile: You can add bacon, spinach, herbs, or any other ingredient of your choice to the filling.
- Quick and Easy: This dish is easy to prepare and doesn’t take hours in the kitchen, despite its elegant appearance.
Low-Carb Option: This recipe is a great addition to any meal plan if you’re on a ketogenic or low-carb diet.
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Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
First Step: Get the chicken ready
Prepare the chicken breasts first. Rinse them and use a paper towel to wipe dry. Make a pocket in each chicken breast with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut through. The bottom of the chicken should remain intact, but there should be enough space to fit the filling within.
Tip: Before slicing, pound the chicken breasts to an equal thickness using a meat mallet to guarantee even cooking. Additionally, this will promote more even cooking of the chicken.
Prepare the cream cheese filling in step two.
Put the softened cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and any dried herbs you’re using in a mixing bowl. Feel free to add cooked bacon, spinach, or even shredded mozzarella cheese for more flavour.
The mozzarella adds a stretchy, cheesy texture, and the cream cheese will produce a creamy, rich filling that will go well with the chicken.
Stuffing the Chicken in Step Three
Fill the pocket of each chicken breast with the cream cheese mixture. Avoid packing too full since the filling may leak out while cooking. To keep the filling in place, use toothpicks to secure the openings or kitchen thread to tie the chicken closed.
Cook the chicken in step four.
There are several ways to prepare the cream cheese-stuffed chicken breast:
Oven and Stovetop Approach:
- In an ovenproof skillet, heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the packed chicken breasts to the hot pan and sear them for 3–4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
- Place the skillet in an oven that has been prepared to 375°F (190°C). Bake it for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Air Fryer Method
- Set your air fryer’s temperature to 375°F, or 190°C.
- Put the filled chicken breasts in the air fryer basket after lightly spraying them with olive oil.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is browned, turning halfway through, 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Take a Break and Serve
Before slicing, give the chicken 5 to 10 minutes to rest so that the liquids can redistribute and stop the filling from spilling out. Slice, serve, and take out the kitchen twine or toothpicks.
Recommended Servings
- Vegetables For a nutritious, well-balanced supper, serve your cream cheese-stuffed chicken with roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or mashed potatoes go really well with the creamy chicken.
Salads: To counterbalance the richness of the filled chicken, a crisp side salad with a mild vinaigrette is a welcome addition.
Guides to the Ideal Cream Cheese Stuffed Breast of Chicken
- Avoid Overstuffing: The pocket should be filled, but not to overflowing. The chicken may break open while cooking if there is too much stuffing.
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese To make a smooth and creamy filling, soften the cream cheese before combining it with other ingredients.
- Check Internal Temperature: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) by using a meat thermometer at all times.
- Personalise the Filling: Use your imagination when stuffing! To personalise the recipe, you can add cooked bacon, fresh herbs, or even a dollop of pesto.
Conclusion
For any occasion, Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is a simple yet striking dish. It mixes a creamy, cheesy stuffing that is sure to please with the lean, mild flavour of chicken. This dish is likely to become a family favourite whether you bake it, fry it, or cook it in an air fryer.
Give it a try now and savour every bite of a juicy, flavourful dinner!
I hope you like your lunch!
