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There’s something incredibly comforting about a tender chicken breast bursting with creamy, herb-infused filling. You deserve meals that not only satisfy hunger but also nurture the soul. This cream cheese and herb stuffed chicken recipe is more than just dinner it’s a culinary embrace that makes every bite a celebration of fresh flavors and wholesome goodness. Whether you’re cooking for family or impressing guests, this dish delights with its perfect blend of simplicity and gourmet taste.
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Delicious Cream Cheese Herb Chicken for Dinner Tonight
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender chicken breasts stuffed with creamy 1/3 less fat cream cheese blended with fresh parsley, dill, chives and garlic, making a flavorful and easy dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 (6 oz each) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (24 oz total)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, parsley, dill, chives, and garlic until well mixed.
3. Slice chicken breasts almost all the way through, creating a pocket.
4. Fill pockets evenly with cream cheese mixture and fold closed.
5. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
6. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat; sear chicken 1-2 minutes per side.
7. Transfer to baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Notes
Use fresh herbs for best flavor.
Avoid overstuffing to prevent filling leakage.
Let chicken rest after baking to retain moisture.
Optional: Broil 2-3 minutes for crispier top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Cream Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese | 4 oz, softened to room temperature |
| Fresh Parsley | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Fresh Dill | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Fresh Chives | 1 tablespoon, minced |
| Garlic Cloves | 2, minced |
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 (6 oz each, 24 oz total) |
| Salt | to taste |
| Black Pepper | to taste |
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with parsley, dill, chives, and garlic. Mix well using a spatula until blended.
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast almost all the way through from the side, creating a pocket. Open each breast at the slit.
- Evenly divide the cream cheese mixture among the four breasts, spreading it over one side inside the pocket, leaving the other half empty to fold over.
- Fold the empty side of the breast over the filling to create stuffed chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle salt and black pepper on both sides of each stuffed chicken breast.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken breasts in batches of two to avoid crowding, searing each side for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor dried herbs won’t provide the same vibrant taste.
- Don’t overstuff the chicken breast to avoid filling leakage during cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps retain moisture and makes slicing easier.
- For a crispy exterior, consider finishing the chicken under a broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Why This Recipe Works
This dish balances the richness of cream cheese with the freshness of garden herbs and savory garlic. The searing locks in juices while the oven finishing ensures tender, fully cooked meat. It’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive for any occasion. You can customize the herb mix to suit your taste, making it a versatile favorite in your recipe collection.
Enjoy creating this heartwarming meal that tempts your taste buds and fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas. It’s proof that simple ingredients, treated with care, make memorable food you’ll want to make again and again.