Everything Cream Cheese Chicken

Everything Cream Cheese Chicken is the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines juicy baked chicken breasts with a creamy cheese filling, a crunchy bagel crumb coating, and the bold flavors of everything bagel seasoning. This dish takes your favorite breakfast flavors and transforms them into a savory, satisfying dinner the whole family will love. With a golden crisp crust on the outside and a rich, cheesy filling on the inside, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even when you want to impress guests with something unique yet simple.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 tablespoons spreadable garlic and herb cream cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 ounce shredded parmesan cheese
• 2 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 plain bagel or 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning, divided
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Break the bagel into pieces and pulse in a food processor until crumbs form. Mix with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning.
3. In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, parmesan, and cheddar.
4. Slice each chicken breast lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Fill with the cream cheese mixture and season with salt and pepper.
5. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip into the beaten egg, and coat with bagel crumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Sprinkle with the remaining everything seasoning and bake for 35–40 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Pair this cheesy chicken with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad. It also goes great with garlic bread or a side of buttered noodles.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F until hot to maintain the crispy coating. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked breaded chicken on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.

Variations

1. Spicy Kick – Add crushed red pepper flakes or jalapeño cream cheese for extra heat.
2. Low-Carb Version – Skip the breading and just sprinkle everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.
3. Bacon Lover’s Twist – Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon before baking for smoky flavor.
4. Buffalo Style – Mix buffalo sauce into the cream cheese filling for a tangy twist.
5. Cheese Swap – Replace cheddar with mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavors.
6. Herb Upgrade – Add fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill to the cream cheese mixture.
7. Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or bagels.
8. Everything Ranch Chicken – Mix a spoonful of ranch seasoning into the cream cheese filling for a creamy ranch flavor.
9. Mini Bites – Use chicken tenders instead of breasts to create appetizer-sized portions.
10. Extra Crunchy – Double-coat the chicken in egg and crumbs for an even thicker crust.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, stuff and bread the chicken up to a day in advance, then bake when ready.
2. Can I air fry this recipe?
   Yes, cook at 375°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Do I need a bagel for the crumbs?
   No, panko breadcrumbs work just as well.
4. Can I freeze the leftovers?
   Cooked leftovers can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven for best texture.
5. What’s the best cream cheese to use?
   Spreadable garlic and herb cream cheese adds flavor, but plain cream cheese works too.
6. How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
   Seal the chicken with toothpicks after stuffing.
7. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, just adjust baking time since thighs may take longer.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 165°F.
10. Is everything bagel seasoning salty?
    Yes, it contains salt, so adjust added seasoning to taste.

Everything Cream Cheese Chicken is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional baked chicken. It’s crunchy, cheesy, and loaded with seasoning, making it an easy go-to recipe when you need something satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

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