Looking for an impressive yet easy-to-make dish that’s full of flavor and perfect for a special dinner or even a weeknight meal? This Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is just what you need. With tender chicken breasts filled with delicious ingredients like cheese, spinach, mushrooms, or even sun-dried tomatoes, stuffed chicken breast elevates the typical chicken dinner to something extraordinary. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping, this recipe will be a hit every time.
Let’s dive into the recipe, tips, variations, and everything you need to make the best stuffed chicken breasts at home.
What is Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Stuffed Chicken Breast is a dish where boneless chicken breasts are filled with a mixture of ingredients, such as cheese, vegetables, herbs, or even meat like ham or bacon. The chicken is either baked or pan-seared to achieve a juicy, tender texture, while the filling adds richness, creaminess, and flavor. It’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit various tastes, making it ideal for a variety of occasions.
Ingredients List for Stuffed Chicken Breast
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need for a classic version of stuffed chicken breast with a cheesy spinach filling. Feel free to swap ingredients to suit your taste preferences!
Chicken and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing the chicken)
Filling Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Lemon wedges for serving
Substitutions and Variations
This stuffed chicken recipe is highly customizable. Here are a few ways you can change up the filling or seasonings to make it your own:
- Cheese Variations: Swap mozzarella with feta, goat cheese, or Gruyère for a unique flavor twist.
- Add Bacon or Ham: Incorporate cooked bacon or ham into the filling for a smoky, savory flavor.
- Herb Variations: Try fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano instead of basil for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetable Fillings: Add sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, bell peppers, or even artichokes to the filling for more texture and flavor.
- Spicy Option: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or include chopped jalapeños for those who like a bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the cheese with dairy-free alternatives like almond or cashew cheese.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make delicious stuffed chicken breasts that are juicy, tender, and loaded with flavor.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by prepping the chicken breasts. Lay each chicken breast on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to create a pocket. Carefully slice horizontally into the thickest part of the breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the chicken inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, spinach, dried basil (or Italian seasoning), and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Using a spoon or your hands, stuff each chicken breast with a generous amount of the cheese and spinach mixture. Be sure to press the filling deep into the pocket so it doesn’t spill out during cooking. Secure the chicken with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling in place.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or butter) in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. This step locks in moisture and adds flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Chicken
After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the breast.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist. Remove any toothpicks before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve with lemon wedges for a burst of freshness.
How to Cook Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Step-by-Step Guide
For a quick summary, here’s how to make stuffed chicken breasts:
- Prepare the chicken breasts by slicing a pocket and seasoning them.
- Make the filling by mixing cream cheese, shredded cheese, spinach, garlic, and seasonings.
- Stuff the chicken with the filling, using toothpicks to secure if needed.
- Sear the chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- Bake the chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Rest and serve with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making stuffed chicken breasts:
- Overstuffing the Chicken: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. If you overstuff, use toothpicks to secure the opening.
- Undercooking the Chicken: Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's safe to eat.
- Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken adds a ton of flavor and locks in moisture, so don’t skip this step unless you’re short on time.
- Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after baking to allow the juices to redistribute. This step ensures a juicy final result.
Serving and Presentation Tips
The way you serve and present your stuffed chicken breasts can elevate the meal. Here are a few tips for serving and presentation:
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breasts pair beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:
- Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken breasts over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up any extra juices from the chicken.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots for a complete meal.
- On a Salad: Thinly slice the stuffed chicken and serve it over a green salad with a light vinaigrette for a healthy option.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect side to complement the richness of the stuffed chicken.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or chives adds a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve with Lemon Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the chicken adds brightness and balances out the richness of the cheese filling.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Serve the stuffed chicken with a drizzle of lemon butter sauce or balsamic glaze for extra flavor.
Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Tips
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Secure with Toothpicks: If your chicken breasts are overstuffed or won’t close properly, use toothpicks to keep them closed while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- Prep Ahead of Time: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and bake when you’re ready. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if cooking from cold.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?
A: Yes! You can freeze stuffed chicken breasts either before or after baking. If freezing before cooking, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. If freezing after cooking, let them cool completely before wrapping and freezing.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat stuffed chicken?
A: Reheat stuffed chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Cover the dish with foil to keep the chicken moist while reheating.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be stuffed in a similar way. They’re smaller, so adjust the amount of filling accordingly, and they may take slightly less time to cook.
Conclusion
Stuffed Chicken Breast is a delicious, impressive dish that’s easier to make than you might think. With juicy chicken on the outside and a rich, flavorful filling on the inside, this recipe is perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Try it out tonight, and enjoy the endless flavor possibilities that stuffed chicken has to offer!
PrintStuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, garlic, and cheese. The filling creates a creamy, savory bite, while the chicken is baked until golden and perfectly cooked. This easy-to-make dish is great for both weeknight meals and special occasions. Serve with roasted vegetables, rice, or a side salad for a balanced, delicious dinner.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Spinach (fresh or frozen)
- Cream cheese
- Mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sauté garlic and spinach in olive oil until wilted. Combine with cream cheese and shredded mozzarella.
- Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach-cheese mixture.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, then transfer to the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through. Let it rest before serving.
Notes
- You can add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor.
- Swap mozzarella for feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
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