Description
Juicy, oven-baked stuffed chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cheeses and herbs, delivering tender and flavorful results perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Stuffing Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through, creating space for the filling.
- Make Filling Mixture: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, mixing thoroughly.
- Stuff Chicken: Evenly distribute the cheese mixture into each chicken pocket, pressing gently to fill completely. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Season Chicken: Brush the outside of chicken breasts with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder for a flavorful crust.
- Arrange and Bake: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are spaced evenly. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and juiciness before serving.
Notes
- Letting the chicken rest after baking keeps it extra juicy and tender.
- Additional ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or mushrooms can be mixed into the filling for more flavor variation.
- For enhanced tenderness, brine the chicken in saltwater for 15 minutes before stuffing.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American / Italian-Inspired
