🍗 Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Description
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy garlic herb cheese filling, then baked until tender and golden. This dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for an impressive yet easy dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the filling:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh basil or oregano (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or parmesan
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep chicken
- Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F)
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast
2. Make filling
- In a bowl, mix:
- cream cheese
- garlic
- herbs
- shredded cheese
- salt & pepper
3. Stuff chicken
- Fill each chicken breast with the mixture
- Secure with toothpicks if needed
4. Season
- Rub chicken with olive oil
- Sprinkle paprika, salt, and pepper
5. Cook
- Place in baking dish
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until fully cooked
6. Optional finish 🔥
- Broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden top
Servings
- Serves: 4 people
Tips
- Don’t overfill to avoid leaking
- Use room-temp cream cheese for smooth filling
- Sear chicken for 2–3 mins before baking for extra flavor
- Add spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for variation
Nutritional Info (Approx per serving)
- Calories: ~420–480 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbs: ~3–5g
- Fat: ~28g
Benefits
- High protein meal 💪
- Low-carb / keto-friendly
- Rich in calcium (cheese)
- Great for meal prep
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs?
A: Yes, but stuffing is easier with breasts.
Q: Can I air fry it?
A: Yes! Air fry at 180°C for 18–20 minutes.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Yes—stuff and refrigerate, then cook later.
Q: What sides go best?
A: Mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted veggies.
Q: How to store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.