Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with melted cheese and herbs, pan-seared and finished with a rich garlic butter sauce. This italian-inspired chicken (keto, low carb) ready in about 40 minutes blends 6 oz each, butterflied chicken breasts, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each, butterflied chicken breasts
- 4 oz, softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil until combined.
- Step 2: Season 4 butterflied chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stuff each breast evenly with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Step 4: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through and the cheese is melted.
- Step 5: While chicken bakes, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Step 6: Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cooked chicken breasts before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breast with Garlic Butter Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, high protein, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.