Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese
Looking for a delicious and decadent dinner idea? This Chicken Parmesan Stuffed with Cream Cheese recipe will satisfy all your cravings!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- 2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- 3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the cream cheese mixture.
- 4. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- 5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and top with marinara sauce.
- 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- 7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Popular questions:
- Q: Can I use other types of cheese for the filling?
- Q: Is it necessary to pre-cook the chicken before stuffing?
A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheeses like cheddar or Swiss for a unique flavor profile.
A: No, the chicken will cook perfectly in the oven as it bakes with the filling.
Helpful tips:
- 1. Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the cream cheese mixture for extra flavor.
- 2. Serve the stuffed chicken over a bed of spaghetti for a complete meal.
Expert Secrets:
- 1. Use a meat mallet to flatten the chicken breasts slightly before cutting the pocket for easier stuffing.
- 2. Take care not to over-stuff the chicken breasts as the filling may leak out during baking.