Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken thighs stuffed with melty cheese and served with a decadent garlic cream sauce, ideal for a high-fat keto dinner. This american-inspired keto (keto, high protein) ready in about 40 minutes blends sliced mozzarella cheese, softened cream cheese, unsalted butter 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 550 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Butterfly 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs by slicing horizontally almost through, then open like a book. Spread 2 oz softened cream cheese evenly inside each thigh and top with 1 oz sliced mozzarella cheese.
  2. Step 2: Fold chicken thighs closed and secure with toothpicks. Season each with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until melted and bubbling. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
  4. Step 4: Transfer skillet to the oven and bake chicken for 15 minutes until cooked through and cheese is melted.
  5. Step 5: While chicken bakes, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Remove toothpicks from chicken, plate, and spoon garlic cream sauce over the top. Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Thighs with Garlic Cream 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 Thighs with Garlic Cream 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 Thighs with Garlic Cream 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 Thighs with Garlic Cream 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 Thighs with Garlic Cream Sauce keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes