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Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Creamy Herb Filling

This dish features tender chicken breasts carefully stuffed with a luscious mixture of cream cheese, fresh herbs, lemon zest, and smoky paprika. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then baked until juicy and cooked through, with the filling slightly oozing when sliced, creating a flavorful and visually appealing main course.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts thick and juicy, about 6 oz each
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened for mixing
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped parsley, basil, or chives
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest freshly grated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for heat
  • to taste salt and pepper season generously
  • 2 tablespoons oil for searing

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Skillet or oven-proof pan
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and gather all your ingredients.
  2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped herbs, lemon zest, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and fragrant.
  4. Stuff each chicken breast with the herb and cream cheese mixture, pressing gently to seal the filling inside. Use toothpicks if needed to keep it closed.
  5. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and slightly fragrant. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
  6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Remove the chicken from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice to reveal the oozing, flavorful filling inside.
  8. Serve hot, sliced into thick pieces, allowing the creamy filling to spill out beautifully with each cut.