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Flavorful Marry Me Lemon Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast

marry me lemon herb stuffed chicken breast - featured image

A juicy, tender chicken breast stuffed with a tangy lemon-herb cream cheese filling, perfect for easy weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170225 g each)
  • 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme leaves, lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
  4. Spoon the lemon herb cream cheese mixture evenly into each pocket. Do not overstuff. Optionally secure the opening with toothpicks.
  5. Lightly salt and pepper the outside of each chicken breast.
  6. Heat olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. Remove chicken from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Do not overfill the chicken pockets to prevent filling leakage. Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese with plant-based alternative and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Avoid microwaving leftovers to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, lemon herb chicken, easy dinner, creamy filling, weeknight meal, chicken recipe, healthy chicken, gluten-free, dairy-free option