Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup baby spinach, chopped - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional) I love using fresh ingredients for my Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. Each one adds flavor and texture. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish. They are juicy and tender when cooked right. I always use cream cheese for its rich and creamy taste. It blends well with mozzarella, making the filling deliciously gooey. Baby spinach adds a nice pop of color and nutrition. I chop it finely so it mixes well. Sun-dried tomatoes bring a sweet and tangy flavor. The garlic adds a burst of aroma. I use Italian seasoning to tie all the flavors together. Adding salt and pepper helps enhance the taste. I drizzle olive oil on top before baking. It adds a nice golden color and helps keep the chicken moist. Fresh basil leaves can be a bright garnish. They make the dish look pretty and fresh. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a meal that will impress everyone! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Blend it well. - Take the chicken breasts and place them on a baking sheet. Use a knife to cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through. - Stuff each chicken breast with the cream cheese filling you made. - Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts. Add some salt and pepper to boost the flavor. - Bake the chicken in the oven for 25-30 minutes. Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). - After baking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. - For a great look, serve the chicken on a plate. Drizzle with olive oil and add fresh basil leaves. This adds color and flavor. Pair it with steamed veggies or a light salad for a full meal. - To keep chicken juicy, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer for best results. - For the right cheese consistency, mix cream cheese with shredded mozzarella well. This blend provides creaminess and flavor. - Bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes. This ensures even cooking throughout the chicken. - For a nice look, serve the chicken on a white plate. It makes the colors pop. - Add fresh basil leaves for garnish. This brings a vibrant touch and fresh aroma. - Pair with steamed veggies or a light salad for a balanced meal. This adds color and nutrients to your plate. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes. This will enhance the overall taste of your dish. Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to cram the filling into the chicken, avoid overstuffing. This can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix in different cheeses like feta or cheddar for a unique flavor twist. Each cheese will complement the dish differently. {{image_2}} You can change some ingredients in Baked Cream Cheese Chicken to create new flavors. - Alternative cheeses: Swap cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese for a twist. - Different vegetables: Try adding broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition. - Adding spices: Sprinkle in paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat and fun. These swaps keep the dish exciting while still keeping it creamy and tasty. You don't have to bake this chicken every time. Here are some fun methods: - Pan-searing before baking: Sear the chicken in a skillet first. This will give it a nice brown crust before it bakes. - Grilling options: Grill the stuffed chicken on medium heat. This adds a smoky flavor that's hard to beat. - Slow cooker adaptation: Cook the chicken in a slow cooker for a tender, juicy dish. Just place the stuffed chicken in with a bit of broth and let it go. These methods can change the way you enjoy this dish while still keeping it juicy and flavorful. To store leftover baked cream cheese chicken, place it in an airtight container. Ensure it cools to room temperature first. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. To avoid spoilage, keep it covered tightly. Reheat only what you plan to eat, as repeated heating can dry it out. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating leftovers. You can freeze cooked chicken for up to three months. To freeze it, let the chicken cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. When you are ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. For reheating, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. This keeps it juicy and tasty. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken tough. You can serve many tasty sides with this dish. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Roasted carrots - Garlic bread - A fresh garden salad - Quinoa or rice These sides add color and balance to your meal. They also complement the rich flavors of the chicken. Feel free to mix and match! To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat. You can also look for visual cues. The chicken should be white and the juices should run clear. If you see pink, it needs more time. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can stuff the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. This makes dinner prep easy and quick! In this post, we covered how to make baked cream cheese chicken. We discussed the key ingredients, easy preparation steps, and helpful cooking tips. I shared ways to tweak the recipe for your taste and how to store leftovers properly. When you follow these steps, you'll whip up a tasty meal that impresses. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to experiment with the variations. Your kitchen creations can be both fun and delicious!$

Baked Cream Cheese Chicken

A deliciously stuffed chicken breast filled with cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup baby spinach, chopped
0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
optional fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Place the chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting through entirely.
Spoon the cream cheese filling generously into each chicken breast pocket.
Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken breasts and sprinkle additional salt and pepper on top for added flavor.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a plate drizzled with olive oil and topped with fresh basil leaves. Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Keyword baked, Chicken, cream cheese, dinner