If you’ve ever wanted to bring a show-stopping Italian-inspired meal to your dinner table with the least amount of fuss, Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese is your answer. This dish takes everything you love about classic chicken Parmesan—the crispy coating, tangy sauce, and melty cheese—and gives it a delicious twist with a rich, creamy layer hidden inside every tender bite. Perfect for impressing guests or turning a weekday night into something special, this recipe is destined to be a cherished favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese lies in its simple, familiar ingredients, each chosen for their flavor and texture. Every component plays a role in creating that crave-worthy balance of juicy chicken, gooey cheese, and golden crumb.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose plump chicken breasts for easy stuffing and satisfying portions.
- Cream cheese (softened): This is your secret weapon for mouthwatering creaminess that melts as the chicken bakes.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds that beloved stretchy, cheesy goodness both inside and on top.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a punch of umami and helps the filling sing.
- Italian seasoning: A beautiful blend of herbs that delivers unmistakable Italian flair with zero effort.
- Garlic powder: For subtle garlicky depth without overpowering the dish.
- Black pepper: Just enough to balance the richness and add a gentle kick.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out all the bold flavors in the filling.
- Italian-style breadcrumbs: Coats the chicken, crisping up to golden perfection in the oven.
- Large eggs (beaten): Helps the breadcrumbs stick and creates the perfect crust.
- Marinara sauce: Pour over the chicken for extra moisture and classic tomato flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella (for topping): Strewn on top for that irresistible cheesy melt.
- Grated Parmesan (for topping): Finishes each breast with a savory, golden touch.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: Keeps the crust crisp and the chicken juicy as it bakes.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing your favorite baking dish with olive oil or a quick mist of cooking spray. Prepping your dish ahead ensures the chicken won’t stick and gets that satisfying, even browning.
Step 2: Make the Dreamy Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing until smooth ensures every bite of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese has that luscious, herby filling tucked inside.
Step 3: Slice and Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Lay each chicken breast flat and, using a sharp knife, gently cut a pocket into the thickest part—be careful not to cut all the way through. Spoon the luscious cream cheese mixture evenly into the pockets. If you’re worried about the filling escaping, secure the edges with toothpicks.
Step 4: Bread the Stuffed Chicken
Now, dip each cream cheese–stuffed breast into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s well coated. Next, press it firmly into the Italian-style breadcrumbs so every side is covered. This step is what gives Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese its signature crispy outside.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Arrange the breaded chicken in your prepared dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil (or spritz with cooking spray for less oil). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through, juicy, and sporting a crispy golden crust. The smell at this point will be seriously irresistible!
Step 6: Add the Sauce and Cheesy Topping
Pull the chicken from the oven and spoon luscious marinara sauce over each breast. Sprinkle generously with mozzarella and Parmesan. Pop the dish back in for 5 to 7 minutes, just until the cheese melts into gooey, bubbling perfection.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the chicken rest briefly and carefully remove any toothpicks. This little pause allows the flavors to settle and makes slicing even easier. Serve while hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up!
How to Serve Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, scatter chopped fresh basil or parsley over each serving to brighten the plate. A quick sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving gives it a gourmet feel and a final boost of flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is utterly satisfying on its own, but you can’t go wrong with a tangle of spaghetti, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables to round out the meal. The creamy interior pairs beautifully with lighter sides that soak up the extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice each stuffed breast on the diagonal to show off the gooey, melty filling inside. Arrange the slices on a platter with a drizzle of marinara and a shower of herbs. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family-style gatherings or a romantic night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese, lucky you! Let leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The filling keeps the chicken juicy, making it just as delectable the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze cooked and cooled stuffed chicken tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and enjoy the same creamy, cheery flavors as the day it was made.
Reheating
To reheat, place the chilled chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and warm at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). Uncover for the last few minutes if you want to revive the crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible to help the coating stay crisp!
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in ricotta, fontina, or provolone for a slightly different flavor profile. Sticking with the creamy base keeps Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese irresistible.
How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken after stuffing, and be careful not to overfill. A gentle hand while breading and transferring also helps keep the delicious filling where it belongs.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! You can stuff and bread the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the fridge, then bake just before serving for the freshest results and flavors.
What’s the best way to know when the chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. It should register 165°F. The breadcrumb coating will be a deep golden color, and the juices will run clear.
Can I make Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese gluten free?
Of course! Substitute your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs and double-check that your marinara sauce is gluten free. The results will be just as delicious and impressive.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about cutting into Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese and watching that creamy, herby filling spill onto your plate. It’s the kind of dish that turns a regular dinner into a celebration, and once you try it, you’ll have friends and family asking for it again and again. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it for every special occasion—or simply because you deserve something delicious tonight!
Print
Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the decadent flavors of Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese. Juicy chicken breasts are filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, then baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb coating and topped with savory marinara sauce and more cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
For Topping:
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the baking dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, fill with the cream cheese mixture, and secure with toothpicks.
- Coat and bake: Dip stuffed breasts in beaten eggs, coat with breadcrumbs, and bake for 25–30 minutes.
- Top and bake again: Add marinara, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top, bake for 5–7 minutes until cheese melts.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks before serving.
Notes
- To prep ahead, stuff and bread the chicken and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
- For a crispier texture, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before baking.
- Serve with pasta, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
