Name: Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Olive oil spray; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp minced parsley; 3 tbsp chopped chives; 2 tbsp chopped dill; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a juicy chicken breast bursting with fresh herbs and creamy garlic goodness. This Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is exactly that—an elegant yet simple dish that feels fancy but comes together without fuss. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll want it on repeat.

The image shows four golden brown, crispy stuffed chicken fillets arranged in a row on a white plate with subtle decorative edges. Each fillet is sliced open in the middle to reveal a creamy, white filling with finely chopped green herbs mixed throughout, giving a textured, rich contrast inside. The tops of the fillets have a crunchy, breaded surface with a warm toasted hue, and small green herb sprinkles are scattered on and around the chicken for garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a small glass bowl of extra herbs in the background and a leafy plant nearby. The lighting is bright and natural, highlighting the crispiness and freshness of the dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

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 still remember the first time I tried this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe at a friend’s dinner party. The combination of fresh herbs with that rich cream cheese filling was a game-changer for my usual weeknight meals. It’s impressive enough for guests but cozy enough for family dinners.

Flavor Explosion: The garlic, herbs, and parmesan in the filling create an irresistible blend that makes every bite a delight.
Juicy & Tender: Stuffing the chicken helps keep it moist, preventing the dreaded dry chicken breast.
Easy Prep: With just a few fresh ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s simple enough even if you’re new to stuffing chicken.
Customizable: You can switch up the herbs and cheeses to suit your mood or what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe plays a key role – from the fresh herbs bringing brightness to the creamy filling that melts into the chicken. Let’s break down why each ingredient makes this dish so irresistible and what to look for when you shop.

Flat lay of four fresh raw chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth softened cream cheese, three whole uncracked garlic bulbs with three peeled cloves beside them, a small white bowl filled with bright green minced parsley, another small white bowl with finely chopped vibrant chives, a small white bowl holding fresh chopped dill sprigs, a small white bowl of finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of golden panko breadcrumbs, a small white bowl with paprika powder in rich red color, a small white bowl of garlic powder in off-white, a small white bowl each containing fine salt and coarse black peppercorns, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Choose evenly sized, fresh breasts so they cook uniformly and hold the stuffing well.
Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is the creamy heart of the filling, adding richness and moisture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic packs a punch – don't substitute with powder here for that fresh zing.
Parsley: I love how parsley adds freshness and a hint of peppery flavor without overpowering.
Chives: Their mild onion flavor enhances the filling beautifully.
Dill: Adds a subtle anise-like note that complements garlic and cheese perfectly.
Parmesan cheese: Grated parmesan brings a salty, nutty depth that elevates the stuffing.
Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a crisp coating that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling and tender chicken.
Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These seasonings boost the flavor of the crust and chicken surface, giving a lovely color and extra zing.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe is a fantastic base for your own spin. Personally, I like to swap out dill for basil or tarragon depending on what I have fresh. You can really make it your own by adjusting the herbs, cheese, or even adding some cooked spinach or sun-dried tomatoes into the filling.

Variation: I once added a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes into the filling for a subtle kick — it was fantastic and my family loved the extra heat!
Dietary Swap: For a lighter version, try using part-skim cream cheese and omit the parmesan or use a dairy-free substitute.
Seasonal Upgrade: Fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary work wonderfully when you want a more earthy, woodsy flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of two pieces of fried chicken on a white plate with a textured edge. Each chicken piece has two main layers: a crispy golden-brown breaded outer layer and a thick creamy white filling mixed with green herbs, slightly oozing out where one piece is cut open to show the soft white meat inside. The chicken is garnished with small green herb pieces scattered on top. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a glass bowl with green herbs is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep your oven and ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish. This high heat helps get the panko crust golden and crisp while ensuring the chicken cooks through evenly. While the oven warms, soften your cream cheese—room temperature is key here for easy mixing.

Step 2: Make the flavorful filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with minced garlic, fresh parsley, chives, dill, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. I use a rubber spatula to mix everything smoothly—no lumps allowed! This creamy, herby mixture is what brings all the flavor.

Step 3: Stuff your chicken breasts

Lay each chicken breast flat and carefully make a slit about three-quarters of the way through horizontally. Season inside with salt and pepper, then gently spoon in a quarter of the filling. Spread it evenly inside before folding the top part back over, like closing a little sandwich.

Step 4: Coat with the flavorful breadcrumb crust

On a plate, mix panko with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Press the stuffed chicken breasts firmly into this mixture—both top and bottom—to get a nice, even coat. This step gives you that satisfying crunch in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to juicy perfection

Arrange your crusted chicken breasts in the baking dish. I spray the outside lightly with olive oil spray to encourage extra browning. Pop them in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remember, internal temp is your best friend here to avoid drying out the chicken.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few small things that really help nail this Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe every time—because even simple recipes have their little tricks.

Knife Angle for Stuffing: When slicing the chicken to stuff, hold your knife very parallel to the cutting board to create a nice pocket without cutting all the way through.
Softening Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese sit out for at least 20 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth, easy-to-spread filling.
Don’t Skip the Panko Seasoning: The spiced breadcrumb crust adds a flavour boost and texture contrast, so it’s worth mixing in those garlic powder and paprika.
Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to avoid overcooking — trust me, dry chicken kills the vibe of this dish!

How to Serve Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

garlic herb chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like a sprinkle of fresh parsley and chives right before serving to echo those herbs in the filling. A little lemon wedge on the side brightens the whole plate and cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

This stuffed chicken pairs beautifully with roasted garlic mashed potatoes, a crisp green salad, or even some buttery sautéed green beans. I sometimes serve it with a light quinoa salad for a wholesome, colorful plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I served these chicken breasts sliced into medallions on a long platter with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil and scattered microgreens—felt perfect for a dinner party! It’s always fun to add an extra touch like that when you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the chicken stays surprisingly moist, but reheating gently helps keep that creamy filling intact.

Freezing

I’ve frozen stuffed chicken breasts before cooking, tightly wrapped in plastic and foil, then baked straight from frozen adding a bit more time. The flavors hold up really nicely, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I recommend baking uncovered at 350°F for around 15 minutes or until warmed through to keep the crust crispy. Microwaving can get a bit soggy, so use that only if you’re in a rush.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy naturally, but you’ll want to adjust cooking time as they’re sometimes thicker and fattier. Cutting a slit for stuffing works the same way.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F at the thickest part. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into the chicken to make sure it’s no longer pink inside.

Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes! You can stuff and coat the chicken breasts, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for a great make-ahead dinner especially on busy days.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

If you prefer not to use cream cheese, ricotta or mascarpone are good creamy substitutes that melt nicely inside the chicken. Greek yogurt can work too, but the filling might be less firm.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Herb Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe holds a special place in my routine when I want something satisfying but not complicated. The mix of creamy cheese, fragrant herbs, and crispy crust is just cozy and indulgent without being over the top. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate.