Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Introduction

If you’re looking for a delicious chicken dinner recipe that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with juicy chicken, this stuffed chicken breast recipe will quickly become a favorite. With a luscious filling of cream cheese and mozzarella, this dish is both indulgent and surprisingly simple to make. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something hearty yet elegant enough to serve to guests. The combination of tender chicken, gooey cheese, and rich flavors makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

My recipe story

This recipe was born out of my love for classic comfort food with a touch of creativity. I remember the first time I stuffed chicken breasts—it was during a holiday dinner when I wanted to serve something special without being overly complicated. The creamy filling was inspired by my grandmother’s baked dips, which always featured cream cheese and mozzarella. Over time, I refined the dish to balance richness with ease, making it a go-to for weeknight meals and special occasions alike. Every bite brings me back to those family gatherings filled with warmth, laughter, and plenty of good food.

Ingredient breakdown

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The base ingredients are everyday staples you likely already have in your kitchen, yet when combined, they transform into something incredibly satisfying. The chicken provides a lean and hearty protein base, while the filling adds creamy decadence. Each element works together to deliver both comfort and balance in every bite.

Chicken breasts are the star here—boneless and skinless, they’re perfect for stuffing since they cook evenly and hold their shape. Cream cheese brings that smooth, luxurious texture to the filling, while mozzarella adds stretch and gooeyness that melts beautifully. A touch of seasoning enhances all the flavors without overpowering them, keeping the focus on the creamy, cheesy center. Feel free to add herbs or spices like garlic, Italian seasoning, or paprika for an extra layer of flavor that makes the dish uniquely yours.

Equipment you’ll need

• Sharp knife for butterflying chicken breasts
• Cutting board
• Mixing bowl for the filling
• Spoon or spatula
• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet
• Toothpicks (optional, to secure chicken)
• Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking)

Step-by-step directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place your chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice each breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. This will allow you to fill them easily while keeping the chicken intact.
2. Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended. At this stage, you can add herbs, garlic powder, or a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
3. Stuff the chicken: Using a spoon, carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture. Be generous, but avoid overstuffing so the filling doesn’t leak out during cooking. If needed, secure the edges with toothpicks.
4. Sear the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.
5. Bake to perfection: Transfer the skillet (or move the chicken to a baking dish) into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cover loosely with foil if the tops brown too quickly.
6. Serve and enjoy: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender. Serve hot with your favorite sides.

Variations & substitutions

This stuffed chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable. You can swap the mozzarella for cheddar, provolone, or gouda for a different cheesy twist. Add chopped spinach or sun-dried tomatoes to the filling for extra nutrition and flavor. For a spicy kick, mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. If cream cheese isn’t available, ricotta or mascarpone makes a great substitute. You can also coat the chicken in breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy crust.

Storage, freezing & make-ahead

Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To freeze, wrap each cooked breast individually in foil or plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. If you want to make this dish ahead of time, assemble the stuffed chicken and refrigerate uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a convenient meal-prep option for busy weeks.

Serving ideas & pairings

This dish pairs beautifully with both simple and elegant sides. Serve with roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting dinner. For a lighter option, pair with zucchini noodles or steamed broccoli. If you’re hosting, serve alongside garlic bread and a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The creamy richness of the chicken also balances well with tangy tomato-based pasta dishes.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, but make sure they’re boneless and skinless. Thighs are juicier but may require a slightly longer baking time.

How do I keep the filling from leaking out?
Don’t overfill the pockets and secure with toothpicks if needed. Searing before baking also helps seal the edges.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10–15 minutes to keep the chicken moist. Avoid microwaving for too long as it may dry out.

Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes, but grilling requires careful monitoring to prevent the filling from melting out. Use indirect heat and cook until the chicken reaches 165°F.

Final thoughts

This cream cheese and mozzarella stuffed chicken breast recipe is the perfect blend of simple preparation and rich, comforting flavor. It’s versatile enough for everyday meals yet impressive enough for special occasions. With its juicy chicken, creamy filling, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it with pasta, vegetables, or grains, this recipe will always bring smiles to the table.

Cream Cheese and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breasts

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• Author: Sarah White
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy blend of cream cheese and mozzarella, baked to golden perfection for a comforting, flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or oven-safe skillet.

2. Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

3. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Spoon the cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Secure edges with toothpicks if needed.

5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.

6. Transfer chicken to baking dish and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

For extra flavor, add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or fresh herbs to the filling. Pairs well with roasted vegetables, pasta, or a fresh salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American