Creamy Stuffed Chicken Breast – Easy 35-Minute Dinner

This chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese is the ultimate weeknight dinner: it looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort. The creamy, herby filling keeps the chicken moist and adds a burst of flavor in every bite.

By pounding the chicken to an even thickness, you ensure it cooks evenly and quickly, while the cream cheese mixture acts as a built-in sauce. You'll have a restaurant-quality dish on the table in about 35 minutes.

Whether you're cooking for a family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile and forgiving. Serve it with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

About the Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)

Choose chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking. If they are thick, pound to 1/2-inch thickness.

8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest filling. You can substitute with low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor. Pre-shredded works, but fresh melts better.

2 cloves garlic, minced

Fresh garlic gives a pungent kick. You can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Fresh herbs brighten the filling. Dried parsley can be used, but reduce to 1 teaspoon.

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme. You can make your own or use your favorite herbs.

1/4 teaspoon salt

Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to taste, especially if your Parmesan is salty.

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Freshly ground is best for a more aromatic heat.

2 tablespoons olive oil

For searing the chicken. Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado or canola if needed.

1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

Adds moisture to the pan and helps create a light pan sauce. Use low-sodium to control salt.

Tips & Tricks

• Pound the chicken to even 1/2-inch thickness to ensure uniform cooking and easier rolling.
• Use a toothpick to secure the seam if the filling tries to escape during searing.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute and the filling sets.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Chicken

Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

2. Make Filling

In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.

3. Stuff Chicken

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides over and secure with toothpicks if needed.

4. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.

5. Sear Chicken

Place chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This locks in flavor and adds texture.

6. Add Broth

Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. This creates steam and prevents the chicken from drying out.

7. Bake Chicken

Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.

8. Rest and Serve

Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then remove toothpicks. Spoon pan sauce over the chicken before serving.

Delicious Variations

• Add 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon fresh basil to the filling for an Italian twist.
• Swap the cream cheese for goat cheese and add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a tangy, bright flavor.
• For a spicy kick, mix in 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a minced jalapeño into the filling.

How to Store Chicken Breast Stuffed With Cream Cheese

Frequently Asked Questions

Ready to make this creamy, juicy chicken? Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out in the comments below. Don't forget to share your photos on social media!

Chicken Breast Stuffed With Cream Cheese

Juicy chicken breast stuffed with a savory cream cheese and herb filling, baked to golden perfection. A quick, crowd-pleasing dinner.

★★★★½ 4.8 (127 ratings)

15 minPrep time35 minCook time4Servings285 kcalCalories

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🧂 Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz/170g each)
• 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) chicken broth

📋 Instructions

1. 1Prep Chicken — Place chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to 1/2-inch thickness. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. 2Make Filling — In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. 3Stuff Chicken — Spoon about 2 tablespoons of filling onto the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides over and secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. 4Preheat Oven — Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
5. 5Sear Chicken — Place chicken in the hot skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This locks in flavor and adds texture.
6. 6Add Broth — Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. This creates steam and prevents the chicken from drying out.
7. 7Bake Chicken — Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
8. 8Rest and Serve — Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then remove toothpicks. Spoon pan sauce over the chicken before serving.

👨‍🍳 Chef's Note: For best results, use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.

Servings: 4

Cuisine: American

Course: Dinner

Nutrition (per serving): 285 kcal · 12g protein · 22g carbs · 9g fat

Written by Diego Fernandez

Diego covers personal finance for freelancers and gig workers, with a focus on budgeting, taxes, and retirement planning. He breaks down complex money topics into simple, step-by-step guides.