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To make Garlic Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken, gather these main ingredients: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen) - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 tsp dried oregano - 1 tsp salt - 1/2 tsp black pepper - 1 tbsp olive oil These ingredients work together to create a rich and savory filling that makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. You can enhance your dish with these optional garnishes: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh basil leaves Adding halved cherry tomatoes gives a nice touch. They add a burst of sweetness and color. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and add a fresh flavor. If you need to swap some ingredients, here are a few ideas: - Use ricotta cheese instead of cream cheese for a lighter filling. - Try kale or arugula in place of spinach for a different green. - Substitute feta cheese for parmesan if you like a tangy taste. These substitutions can change the flavor but still keep the dish delicious. Always adjust spices to match your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. You need 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 4 cloves of minced garlic, 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese, 1 tsp of dried oregano, 1 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. In a medium bowl, mix the cream cheese and garlic. Next, fold in the spinach, parmesan, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure it blends well. This mixture adds a rich flavor to the chicken. Now, take your 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Use a sharp knife to slice a pocket into each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Once you create the pockets, fill them generously with the cream cheese mixture. If the pockets don’t stay closed, use toothpicks to secure them. This step is key for keeping the filling inside while cooking. In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes. You want them golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25-30 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For added flavor, add halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken during the last 5 minutes of baking. Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, remove the toothpicks, and serve. Enjoy your flavorful meal! To keep your chicken juicy, start with good quality meat. Look for fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They should feel firm and not slimy. Before cooking, let the chicken sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps with even cooking. Searing the chicken in olive oil locks in moisture. Cook it until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes. Finally, bake it in the oven to finish cooking. This method keeps the chicken tender and juicy. Creating the perfect stuffing is key. Mix the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, chopped spinach, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper. Make sure this mixture is creamy and smooth. Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Generously stuff each pocket. Use toothpicks to close any openings, so the filling does not escape while cooking. This ensures a flavorful bite every time. Great presentation makes the meal more appealing. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep juices inside. Remove any toothpicks and slice the chicken into thick pieces. Serve it on a large platter. Arrange the roasted cherry tomatoes around the chicken. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color. A light drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and garlic will enhance the flavor of the cream cheese filling, giving your stuffed chicken a vibrant taste. Don't Skip the Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps retain moisture, resulting in juicier chicken. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like feta or mozzarella for a different flavor profile in your stuffing. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. {{image_2}} You can add many vegetables to your stuffed chicken. Spinach works great, but consider using kale or mushrooms too. These add flavor and nutrients. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini for a crunchy twist. Just make sure to chop them small. This way, they fit nicely in the chicken pocket. Experiment with your favorites! The cream cheese is rich, but you can switch it up. Try using feta cheese for a tangy kick. Goat cheese also adds a nice creaminess. If you want something sharper, use cheddar or gouda. Each cheese will change the taste and texture of the dish. Feel free to mix cheeses for more fun flavors! To change the taste, add herbs and spices. You can use fresh basil, parsley, or thyme for a bright touch. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. For a smokier flavor, try smoked paprika. Each tweak gives your dish a new twist. Don't be afraid to get creative! Store your leftover garlic cream cheese stuffed chicken in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Make sure it cools to room temperature first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, freezing is a great option. To reheat, take the chicken out of the fridge. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but it may dry out. For freezing, wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move the chicken to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. Avoid thawing in warm water, as this can affect the texture. After thawing, reheat as described above. You can check if your chicken is done by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the chicken. The meat should be white and the juices should run clear. If you see pink or red, cook it a bit longer. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Yes, you can use other types of cheese if you like. Cream cheese makes it creamy, but you can try mozzarella for a milder taste. Feta adds a tangy twist, while cheddar gives it a rich flavor. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well. This way, it will blend nicely with the garlic and spinach. Stuffed chicken pairs well with many side dishes. Here are some tasty options: - Roasted vegetables like carrots and broccoli - Rice or quinoa for a hearty base - Mashed potatoes for creaminess - A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette - Garlic bread for an extra kick These sides will balance the flavors and make your meal complete. To make this recipe gluten-free, focus on the ingredients. The main ingredients in this dish are gluten-free as they do not contain wheat. Use gluten-free bread crumbs if you want a crunchy topping. Always check labels on any packaged goods you use. This ensures they are gluten-free. Enjoy your stuffed chicken without worry! This blog post covered the key steps to making delicious garlic cream cheese stuffed chicken. We explored the main ingredients, tips for cooking, and ways to enhance flavor. I shared helpful tips for keeping the chicken moist and presented. We also looked at variations and how to store leftovers. With simple adjustments, you can make this dish your own. Enjoy cooking and impressing others with your tasty creation!

Garlic Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy garlic and spinach filling, baked to perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 2 grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 2 black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
  • pieces fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped spinach, parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each pocket with the cream cheese mixture, ensuring to fill them generously. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  • During the last 5 minutes of baking, add the halved cherry tomatoes around the chicken in the skillet for added flavor.
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks and serving.

Notes

Serve the chicken on a platter, garnished with fresh basil leaves and the roasted cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for an elegant finish.
Keyword chicken, cream cheese, garlic, stuffed chicken