Spicy Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Spicy Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Spicy Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400
- 2
Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each breast to create a deep pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Alternatively, you can butterfly the chicken breasts and then gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
⏱️ 5 min
- 4
Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Stuff the chicken: Divide the cream cheese filling evenly into four portions. Spoon one portion of the filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, or spread it onto one half of a butterflied breast before folding the other half over. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if necessary to keep the filling enclosed.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush the tops of the chicken with the melted butter. This will help them brown nicely and add extra flavor.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer, and the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown on top.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 400
- 8
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
⏱️ 5 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, about 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Spicy Cream Cheese Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For Baking
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400 - 2
Prepare the filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, finely diced jalapeño, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast on a clean cutting board. Carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each breast to create a deep pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Alternatively, you can butterfly the chicken breasts and then gently pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
⏱️ 5 min - 4
Season the chicken: Drizzle olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika, ensuring an even coating.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Stuff the chicken: Divide the cream cheese filling evenly into four portions. Spoon one portion of the filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, or spread it onto one half of a butterflied breast before folding the other half over. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if necessary to keep the filling enclosed.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Bake the chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. Brush the tops of the chicken with the melted butter. This will help them brown nicely and add extra flavor.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer, and the chicken is cooked through and lightly golden brown on top.
⏱️ 25 min•🌡️ 400 - 8
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest in the baking dish for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
⏱️ 5 min