Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

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Garlic Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Juicy chicken breasts topped/stuffed with a savory blend of cream cheese, garlic, and fresh chives.

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 25–30 minutes

  • Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 6 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 8 oz (225g) Cream cheese, softened to room temperature

  • 1/4 cup Fresh chives, finely chopped (or green onions)

  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced

  • 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese (optional, for extra melt)

  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • 1 tbsp Olive oil (to grease the pan)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large glass baking dish with olive oil.

  2. Make the Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped chives, and shredded cheese. Mix until smooth.

  3. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit lengthwise into the side of each breast to create a pocket (be careful not to cut all the way through).

  4. Stuff & Season: Spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into each pocket. If you prefer the look in your photo, you can also slice a “well” into the top and mound the cheese there. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

  5. Bake: Arrange the chicken in the baking dish. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. Rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep the juices locked in.

Tips for Success

  • The Room Temp Rule: Ensure your cream cheese is truly soft before mixing. If it’s cold, the filling will be lumpy and won’t blend well with the herbs.

  • Secure the Filling: If you are worried about the cheese leaking out, use toothpicks to “sew” the edges of the chicken shut before baking.

  • Crispy Top: For a golden finish, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes of cooking.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Calories Protein Fat Net Carbs
345 38g 20g 3g

Recipe Benefits

  • Keto-Friendly: Extremely low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for ketogenic or low-carb lifestyles.

  • Meal Prep King: These reheat surprisingly well without the chicken getting “rubbery,” as the cheese keeps the meat moist.

  • High Protein: Helps with muscle recovery and keeps you feeling full longer.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: You can, but it must be completely thawed first. Frozen chicken releases a lot of water as it cooks, which will make your cream cheese sauce runny and the chicken soggy.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, a light Caesar salad, or over a bed of cauliflower rice.

Q: Can I use different herbs?

A: Absolutely! Fresh parsley, dill, or even a little bit of rosemary work great if you don’t have chives.

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