Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
