Creamy Herb-Stuffed Chicken (Printer-Friendly)

Juicy chicken breasts filled with herbed creamy mozzarella and topped with a luscious buttery cream sauce.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 large chicken breasts, thick
02 - Salt, to taste
03 - Black pepper, to taste
04 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
05 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

→ Herb Cheese Filling

06 - 113 grams (4 ounces) cream cheese, softened
07 - 113 grams (1 cup shredded) mozzarella cheese
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped (optional)
10 - 1 clove garlic, minced
11 - Pinch of salt
12 - Pinch of black pepper

→ Cream Sauce

13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - 120 milliliters (½ cup) low sodium chicken broth
16 - 120 milliliters (½ cup) heavy cream
17 - 30 grams (¼ cup grated) Parmesan cheese
18 - ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
19 - Salt, to taste
20 - Black pepper, to taste
21 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket without cutting fully through. Season inside and out with salt and black pepper.
02 - In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, parsley, basil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
03 - Divide the cheese filling evenly and spoon into each chicken pocket. Secure openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent spilling during cooking.
04 - Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and crusty, locking in juices.
05 - Remove chicken temporarily. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken broth, scraping up browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently until slightly thickened.
06 - Return stuffed chicken to the skillet with sauce. Cover and simmer on low heat for 10 to 12 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Serve with sauce spooned over and garnish with fresh parsley.

# Helpful Hints:

01 - Avoid overstuffing pockets to prevent filling leakage during cooking.
02 - Searing develops a golden crust that enhances flavor and moisture retention.
03 - Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to ensure juiciness.