As the sun sets, the urge for a quick dinner grows strong. But what if you could enjoy a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious? Introducing the cream cheese stuffed chicken – a dish that’s tender, juicy, and creamy, all in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is a game-changer for your weeknight meals. It uses just 7 main ingredients and takes under 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll serve a meal that your family will love. It’s perfect for any occasion or a simple weeknight dinner.
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Why This Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Will Become Your Go-To Dinner
Looking for a tasty and flexible dinner? This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe is perfect. It’s great for special events, easy on the wallet for family meals, and quick for busy nights.
Perfect for Special Occasions
Hosting a dinner party or celebrating a big event? This creamy chicken breast filling dish will wow your guests. The mix of savory chicken, rich cheese, and herbs makes a delicious meal everyone will love.
Budget-Friendly Family Meal
Feeding a lot of people doesn’t have to cost a lot. This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe is both affordable and filling. It uses simple ingredients to please even the most finicky eaters.
Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution
Weeknights can be crazy. This creamy chicken breast-filling dish is ready in about 25 minutes. It’s ideal for those nights when you need a tasty meal fast.
This chicken stuffed with cheese recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and won’t empty your wallet.
Essential Ingredients for Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
To make the perfect cream cheese-stuffed chicken, you need a few key ingredients. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Then, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and milk. Don’t forget Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, Romano cheese, minced garlic, butter, lemon juice, garlic salt, and paprika.
Want to try something different? Use reduced-fat cream cheese or add white button mushrooms. Mozzarella cheese is another great option.
This recipe is very flexible. You can change ingredients based on what you like or have available. It’s a dish that can be made to fit your taste.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 20-25 oz (2 large breasts) |
| Cream Cheese, Softened | 8 oz |
| Cheddar Cheese, Shredded | 1 cup |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Italian Seasoned Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Romano Cheese, Grated | 1/2 cup |
| Minced Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Butter, Melted | 2 tablespoons |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious cream cheese-stuffed chicken. It’s a dish that’s both tasty and easy to customize.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts, you need some basic kitchen tools and equipment. Make sure you have these items before starting.
Essential Preparation Tools
- A large, shallow baking dish to fit the chicken breasts
- A small saucepan for warming the cream cheese filling
- Shallow bowls for dipping the chicken in breadcrumbs or beaten eggs
- Toothpicks to keep the chicken breasts in place while baking
Cooking Equipment Requirements
For cooking, you’ll also need some important tools:
- A skillet or sauté pan for cooking the vegetables in the filling
- A microwave for warming up pre-cooked rice or grains to serve with the chicken
- A meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
With these tools and equipment ready, you’re set to make the cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts perfectly.
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Preparing chicken breasts stuffed with cheese and spices is easy and delicious. Just follow these simple steps to make this tasty dish:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the chicken by using the butterfly technique to create a pocket in each breast. This will allow you to stuff the chicken with the creamy cheese mixture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Stir until well blended.
- Gently stuff the cheese mixture into the chicken breasts, distributing it evenly.
- Dip the stuffed chicken breasts in milk, then coat them with a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic salt, and paprika.
- Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a greased baking dish.
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in lemon juice and minced garlic. Drizzle this flavorful butter mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake the chicken for 30 minutes or until it is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For a quicker version, sauté onions and mushrooms, add sliced chicken breasts, and then mix in cream cheese and broth. This creates a creamy, delicious sauce.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make a restaurant-worthy dish of chicken breasts stuffed with cheese and spices at home. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal with your family and friends.
Mastering the Butterfly Technique
Getting the perfect savory cream cheese-stuffed chicken begins with the butterfly technique. This method lets you make a tasty pocket in the chicken. It’s ready for your creamy filling.
How to Cut the Pocket
Start by putting a chicken breast in a clean, flat area. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken horizontally through the middle. Cut almost all the way through. This makes a pocket for your filling.
You can also pound the chicken to make it 1/2-inch thick. This makes stuffing easier.
Tips for Even Stuffing Distribution
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly across the chicken breast. This ensures it’s spread out right.
- Gently fold the chicken over to cover the filling. This makes a neat package.
- Use toothpicks or skewers to keep the chicken closed. This stops the filling from leaking out while it cooks.
Mastering the butterfly technique and following these tips will help you make amazing savory cream cheese-stuffed chicken. It will impress everyone you share it with.
Creating the Perfect Cream Cheese Filling
Make your cream cheese chicken rolls even better with a tasty filling. The secret is mixing the right ingredients. Begin by mixing cream cheese with shredded cheddar or Swiss cheese for a yummy flavor.
To make the filling even better, cook minced garlic and onions until they smell great. Then, add fresh spinach leaves. This adds color and health benefits. You can also add chopped ham or your favorite herbs for extra flavor.
- 4 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 5 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
Let the filling cool down before putting it in the chicken. This keeps it from melting or leaking while cooking. Your cream cheese chicken rolls will be perfect every time.
Breading and Coating Methods
The breading and coating process is key to a great stuffed chicken breast recipe. It affects the texture and flavor. Choosing the right breadcrumbs and mastering the coating technique are crucial steps.
Choosing the Right Breadcrumbs
For a tasty coating, use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs with grated Romano cheese. This mix adds a rich flavor that goes well with the cheese filling. Or, for a crunchier option, try crushed buttery crackers with shredded cheddar cheese.
Proper Coating Technique
To get even breading, dip the stuffed breasts in milk first. This helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Then, press the coating firmly onto the chicken to keep it in place while it cooks.
Mastering these breading and coating methods will help you make stuffed chicken breasts that are both delicious and beautiful. The crispy outside and creamy inside will make your dish a hit with everyone.
Baking Temperature and Timing Guidelines
To bake your cream cheese-stuffed chicken breasts perfectly, follow these tips. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches 165°F (74°C) inside.
If your chicken breasts are thicker, you might need more time. Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. This ensures it’s fully cooked. After baking, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes. This step helps the filling set and the juices to spread evenly, making the chicken moist and flavorful.
By sticking to these baking temperature and timing guidelines, your chicken will have a crispy outside and a creamy inside. This easy dinner is sure to become a hit with your family.
FAQ
What is the serving size and preparation time for this cream cheese stuffed chicken recipe?
This recipe serves 8 people. It takes about 50 minutes to prepare and cook.
What are the nutritional values of this dish?
The dish is high in protein (40g) and calories (642 per serving). It’s a satisfying meal.
How long does it take to make this recipe?
It’s ready in less than 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
What occasions is this recipe suitable for?
It’s great for special events, family dinners, and weeknight meals. It’s versatile and pleases crowds.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Also, milk, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and Romano cheese. Don’t forget minced garlic, butter, lemon juice, garlic salt, and paprika.
What equipment is needed to make this dish?
You’ll need a large baking dish, a small saucepan, and shallow bowls for dipping. Toothpicks are for sealing. A skillet for veggies and a microwave for rice are also needed. A meat thermometer ensures the chicken is cooked right.
How do you prepare the chicken for stuffing?
Slice the chicken breasts horizontally but not all the way through. This makes a pocket for the filling. Or, pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thickness for easier stuffing.
What are some tips for creating the perfect cream cheese filling?
Mix cream cheese with cheddar or Swiss cheese for flavor. Add sautéed garlic, onions, and spinach. For a twist, add chopped ham or herbs. Make sure the filling is cool before stuffing to avoid melting.
What are the best breading and coating methods for this dish?
Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs mixed with Romano cheese for flavor. Crushed buttery crackers with cheddar make a crunchier coating. Dip in milk before coating to help it stick. Pat the coating firmly onto the chicken.
How do you bake the stuffed chicken breasts?
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. The chicken should be no longer pink and the juices clear. For thicker breasts, cook longer. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Let it rest for 10 minutes after baking.