There’s something truly irresistible about the melty, garlicky filling tucked inside tender chicken – that’s what makes this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe such a standout at dinner. It’s simple to make, yet delivers those comforting flavors that make you want to savor every bite.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I’ve made this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe on busy weeknights and for special occasions, and each time it delivers that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and herby goodness wrapped in juicy chicken. Plus, it feels fancy but is actually pretty straightforward.
- Flavor-packed filling: The cream cheese combined with fresh herbs and garlic gives a rich, savory punch that’s hard to beat.
- Juicy chicken breasts: Stuffing keeps the chicken moist while baking, so you avoid dry, tough meat.
- Crispy breadcrumb coating: That crunchy crust adds texture contrast, making each bite more interesting.
- Easy to make ahead: You can prep the stuffed breasts in advance, perfect for stress-free entertaining.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe complements the others beautifully. The creaminess of the cheese blends with fresh, bright herbs and savory Parmesan to create a filling that’s both flavorful and smooth. Meanwhile, the seasoned breadcrumbs crisp up outside to seal in all the juicy goodness. When shopping, look for fresh herbs and good-quality chicken breasts for best results.

- Chicken breasts: Choose even-sized, boneless, skinless breasts for uniform cooking and easy stuffing.
- Cream cheese: Softened to blend smoothly; it’s the base of the creamy filling that keeps everything moist.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds vibrant flavor that infuses the filling.
- Parsley, chives, dill: Fresh herbs brighten and lighten the rich filling with delicate herbal notes.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that elevates the filling.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a crisp, golden crust when baked.
- Garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper: Seasoning the breadcrumbs adds depth and a bit of smoky color to the crust.
Make It Your Way
I like to switch things up sometimes with this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the mood I’m in — and you can too! This recipe really invites personalization, so don’t hesitate to add your favorite cheesy or fresh twist.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out dill for basil or thyme depending on the season, giving the filling a fresh aroma that's perfect for spring or summer dinners.
- Dietary tweak: If you want it lighter, try using a reduced-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in the filling – it still stays super creamy!
- Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix is my go-to when I want a little heat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Chicken
First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F — this high temp ensures a nicely crisped crust. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish so the chicken won’t stick. While it warms, lay your chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. I like to hold my knife parallel to the board to make a neat pocket about three-quarters through the thickness. Season the inside with a pinch of salt and pepper; this little trick amps up the flavor inside the pocket.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Herb Filling
In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese with minced garlic, parsley, chives, dill, Parmesan, plus salt and pepper. I use a rubber spatula to mix it all thoroughly until smooth and evenly incorporated—no big lumps. The fresh herbs make the filling smell incredible, so don’t skimp on them!
Step 3: Stuff and Fold the Chicken Breasts
Scoop a generous quarter of that herb cheese mixture into the cavity you made in each chicken breast. Spread it out evenly inside, then carefully fold the top over to enclose the filling. This step needs a gentle touch to avoid tearing; take your time and you’ll end up with perfectly stuffed breasts ready for their breadcrumb coating.
Step 4: Coat With Flavored Breadcrumbs and Bake
On a plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Press both sides of each stuffed chicken breast firmly into the breadcrumb mix so it clings nicely. Placing them in the prepared baking dish, I like to lightly spray the outside with olive oil spray to help the crust turn golden and crunchy. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the internal temp reaches 165°F. That’s your surefire sign the chicken’s perfectly cooked, juicy, and safe to eat.
Top Tip
After making this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe a bunch of times, I’ve learned these few tips really help the result shine in your own kitchen — I’m confident they’ll help you too!
- Even chicken breasts: Try to select similar-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly — uneven pieces can leave some parts dry.
- Don’t overstuff: It can be tempting to heap the filling inside, but too much can cause tearing or leaking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Checking for 165°F ensures juicy, safe chicken without guessing bakes or cutting into the meat prematurely.
- Rest before slicing: Let the chicken rest 5 minutes after baking — this seals in juices and keeps your filling creamy.
How to Serve Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Garnishes
I usually sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving — it adds a lovely pop of green and fresh flavor that brightens the dish up. A lemon wedge alongside also works beautifully, cutting through the richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans or sautéed asparagus for a fresh veggie side. For cozy comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf soak up the juices perfectly and round out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I arrange sliced stuffed chicken breasts fanned out on a platter with roasted cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a beautiful, restaurant-worthy presentation everyone admires.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I tightly wrap any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making for easy lunches or quick dinners later on.
Freezing
Freezing works great here — I wrap each stuffed breast individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, defrost overnight in the fridge. This lets you prep ahead and have delicious meals ready whenever you need.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming them in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes, which keeps the crust crispy. Microwaving is faster but can make the coating soggy—so use only if you’re in a real hurry.
Frequently Asked Questions:
You can use frozen chicken breasts, but they must be fully thawed before you slice and stuff them to ensure even cooking and prevent tearing. Plan to thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
If you want a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can work well as substitutes for cream cheese. They maintain creaminess and moisture but will alter the flavor slightly to a fresher profile.
The key is not to overfill the chicken breasts and to press them gently but firmly closed after adding the filling. Coating the stuffed chicken well in breadcrumbs also helps seal in the filling during baking.
Yes! You can stuff and bread the chicken breasts ahead of time, cover them, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking straight from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is one of those dishes I've repeatedly come back to because it’s consistently delicious, comforting, and not too complicated. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a treat but requires just everyday ingredients and simple techniques. If you want to impress without stress, give it a try—you’ll be glad you did, and your family or guests will ask for seconds!
Print
Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A flavorful and creamy Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a savory cream cheese and herb mixture, coated in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, and baked to perfection. This dish is perfect for a delicious and impressive dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoon minced parsley
- 3 tablespoon chopped chives
- 2 tablespoon chopped dill
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Breading
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional
- Olive oil spray for coating
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 425°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Make the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, minced garlic, parsley, dill, chives, grated parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a rubber spatula until well combined into a creamy herb mixture.
- Prepare Chicken: Lay chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife held parallel to the board, carefully cut a slit about ¾ of the way through each breast to create a pocket. Season the inside of each pocket with salt and black pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Scoop approximately a quarter of the cream cheese filling into the pocket of each chicken breast. Spread the filling evenly, then fold the top of the chicken breast over the filling to enclose it.
- Prepare Breading: On a plate, mix together panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Press both sides of each stuffed chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture to fully coat them.
- Bake: Place the coated chicken breasts into the prepared baking dish. Lightly spray the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil spray for a golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are of even thickness for consistent cooking.
- You can substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs if fresh are unavailable, but reduce quantity by half.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
- If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg



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