Juicy Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Recipe That’ll Make Dinner Unforgettable
There’s something about the flavor of creamy, cheesy chicken that’s just irresistible.
If you’ve been trying to bring a wow factor to dinner, this cream cheese stuffed chicken recipe could be the answer.
Picture a juicy chicken breast packed with a creamy filling, topped with golden edges, and a satisfying taste that just melts in your mouth.
What’s the catch? You’ll want it perfectly balanced—rich but not heavy.
And there’s a trick to making that happen with a few ingredients and techniques.
Let’s make dinner something to look forward to tonight, no fuss, just flavor.
Ingredients and What They Bring to the Recipe
Understanding each ingredient will help you tweak things just right or even swap if you need to. Here’s the scoop on what goes into this creamy delight:
- Chicken Breasts (4, boneless, skinless) – These are tender and juicy, perfect for stuffing.
- Cream Cheese (8 oz, softened) – This is the heart of the filling, making it smooth and creamy.
- Fresh Spinach (1 cup, chopped) – Adds a fresh, subtle taste that balances the richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melts beautifully, creating a gooey, cheesy center.
- Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated) – Gives a slightly nutty flavor, adding depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Packs in some sharp, savory notes that balance the creaminess.
- Cooked Bacon (4 slices, crumbled) – Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts with the creamy filling.
- Honey (1 tbsp, optional) – Adds a unique, slight sweetness that enhances other flavors.
- Fresh Chives (1 tbsp, chopped) – Brings a mild, oniony flavor.
- Fresh Thyme (1 tsp, chopped) – Adds an earthy flavor to the filling.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste) – Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the filling.
- Olive Oil (2 tbsp) – Helps get that perfect sear on the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
The best recipes keep things simple and delicious. Here’s how to make the magic happen:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go when your chicken is stuffed and seared.
2. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, bacon, honey, chives, and thyme. Give it a little taste to adjust the salt and pepper before you get started with stuffing. A smooth, well-mixed filling is key here.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Take each chicken breast and make a slice horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Season each side with salt and pepper to make sure every bite has a touch of flavor.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Divide the cream cheese filling evenly among the chicken breasts, using a spoon to stuff each pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the open sides, so the filling stays in place while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until it has a golden crust. This locks in the juices and gives a nice, crispy texture.
For a golden crust on your chicken, our guide on sauté cooking methods offers helpful tips to get a perfect sear before transferring to the oven.
6. Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. When the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C), it’s ready to go!
7. Serve It Up
Remove the toothpicks before serving. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep the juices inside, then serve it with a garnish of fresh herbs for that extra touch.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Crispy Bacon
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Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Crispy Bacon
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This cream cheese stuffed chicken breast is filled with a creamy mixture of cheeses, spinach, garlic, and crispy bacon, with a hint of honey for a unique touch. It’s seared for a golden crust and baked to juicy perfection. This recipe is great for a weeknight meal or a special dinner and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides.
Equipment Needed
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Oven-safe skillet
- Toothpicks
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a slight sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Precook the Bacon: Precook the bacon on the stovetop or in the oven to a crispy finish. Cool completely on paper towels to drain.
- Chop the Spinach: Lay your spinach out on a cutting board and run your knife through it a few time to leave a rough chop. Set aside for filling.
- Prepare the Filling In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, crumbled bacon, honey (optional), chives, and thyme. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until well incorporated.
- Prepare the Chicken: Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice horizontally, creating a pocket for the filling without cutting all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. - Stuff the Chicken: Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, filling each pocket. Secure the edges of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the filling intact during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the toothpicks before serving. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
The honey in the cream cheese mixture adds a unique, subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the bacon and cheeses. This touch of sweetness complements the overall flavor profile and adds an unexpected depth that makes this dish stand out from classic recipes. If you prefer a purely savory profile, you can omit the honey without compromising the integrity of the recipe.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Searing the chicken helps lock in moisture and creates a beautiful crust. For a crispier exterior, broil the chicken for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- This stuffed chicken breast pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. For a low-carb option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or steamed green beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Chicken Breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Nutritional Insights
Knowing what’s on your plate adds value to every bite. Here’s a breakdown:
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Potassium: 650mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g (from honey)
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes it’s all about what you have on hand, so here are some options if you need to swap ingredients:
- Mozzarella: Substitute with Monterey Jack or Swiss for a different cheesy texture.
- Bacon: Turkey bacon or even diced ham can add a similar smoky taste.
- Honey: If you prefer savory-only, just leave it out, or swap with a bit of maple syrup.
- Spinach: Try kale or arugula for a peppery, fresh taste in place of spinach.
FAQs On This Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Yes! Just be mindful of cooking time since thighs are smaller and may cook quicker.
Nope! Honey is optional. It just adds a hint of sweetness that some folks love.
Definitely. Prep it a day before and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Yes, but it’s best to freeze after baking to maintain texture. Thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Swap the cream cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives, and you’re good to go.
Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad make great companions.
Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F in the thickest part.
Disclosure: This article uses automation for structure, but all insights and advice are provided by Ryan Yates, an experienced executive chef with over 20 years of expertise. Additionally, this post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. This helps support our work and allows us to keep providing high-quality content.