Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful creamy herb filling. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

• 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each, 24 oz total)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced parsley, dill, chives, and garlic. Mix until well blended.
2. Step 2: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Step 3: Spoon the cream cheese and herb mixture evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Secure with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
4. Step 4: Season the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper.
5. Step 5: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.
• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best taste.
• Try adding some chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for a twist.
• Make sure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for uniform cooking, or pound them gently if needed.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or warm in an oven preheated to 325°F (160°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and to make stuffing easier.

What can I serve with cream cheese stuffed chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.

Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Print Recipe

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5 from 110 reviews

This Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts filled with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, fresh herbs, and garlic. The chicken is pan-seared for a golden crust and then baked to juicy perfection, making a delicious and elegant main dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Stuffing

• 4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Chicken

• 4 (6 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (24 oz total)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced fresh parsley, dill, chives, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a smooth herb cream cheese filling.
2. Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. Season each chicken breast generously with salt and black pepper both inside the pocket and on the outside.
3. Stuff the chicken breasts: Spoon the herb cream cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring even distribution. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice crust.
5. Bake the chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps retain the juices and makes for a moist, flavorful meal.

Notes

• Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted but use less quantity.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to avoid overcooking.
• Remove toothpicks before serving.
• Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: stuffed chicken, cream cheese chicken, herb stuffed chicken, baked chicken breasts, healthy chicken recipe