Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
  2. Prepare the Filling:
    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, parsley, dill, chives, and minced garlic. Stir with a spatula until smooth and well blended.
  3. Stuff the Chicken:
    • Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board.
    • Using a sharp knife, make a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
    • Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly into each pocket. Fold the top flap over the filling and gently press to seal.
    • Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  4. Sear the Chicken:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add two chicken breasts at a time (do not overcrowd) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.
    • Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining breasts.
  5. Bake the Chicken:
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
  6. Rest and Serve:
    Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, salad, or cauliflower rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon wedges, if desired.

Notes & Tips

  • Cheese Variations: Substitute cream cheese with mascarpone or goat cheese for a slightly different flavor profile.
  • Herb Alternatives: Thyme, tarragon, or basil can be used instead of parsley/dill/chives for a twist.
  • Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate until ready to sear and bake.
  • Cooking Tip: Avoid overfilling the pockets to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
  • Optional Crunch: Wrap stuffed chicken in prosciutto or bacon before searing for extra flavor.

Nutrition (per serving)

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