Stuffed chicken breast – Juicy, tender chicken breast filled with a savory stuffing, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Stuffed chicken breast combines the best of both worlds: crispy, golden-brown chicken with a flavorful, moist filling. It’s a great way to use pantry staples and fresh ingredients creatively. Plus, it’s naturally high in protein and can be made low-carb or keto-friendly with the right fillings.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Pound the Chicken Evenly: For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before stuffing. This prevents overcooked edges and ensures a moist center.
- Don’t Overfill: A small amount of filling goes a long way. Overfilling makes it harder to seal the chicken and can lead to leaks during cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To keep the filling intact, secure the edges of the chicken with toothpicks or tie them with kitchen twine.
- Sear Before Baking: A quick sear in a hot skillet locks in the juices and adds a golden crust to the chicken.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Delicious Variations of Stuffed Chicken Breast
Pesto and Mozzarella: Spread basil pesto inside the chicken and add mozzarella for a burst of herby flavor.
Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken: A classic combination of cream cheese, garlic, and sautéed spinach for a rich and creamy filling.
Caprese-Style: Fill with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, then drizzle with balsamic glaze for a Mediterranean twist.
Broccoli and Cheddar: Perfect for picky eaters, this kid-friendly option combines shredded cheddar with finely chopped broccoli.
Mushroom and Goat Cheese: A sophisticated choice with earthy sautéed mushrooms and tangy goat cheese.
Ham and Swiss: Inspired by chicken cordon bleu, this version includes thinly sliced ham and melty Swiss cheese.
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breast is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving ideas:
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a vibrant side salad for a healthy meal.
- Over Pasta or Rice: Place the sliced chicken breast over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or your favorite pasta with a complementary sauce.
- With a Sauce: Enhance the dish with a drizzle of lemon butter, mushroom gravy, or marinara sauce for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Refrigerating: Store leftover stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap each cooked stuffed chicken breast tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven helps retain the crispy exterior.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time as they are smaller and cook faster.
Q: What is the best way to cut chicken for stuffing?
Slice a pocket into the side of the chicken breast with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut all the way through. This creates space for the filling while keeping the chicken intact.
Q: Can I make stuffed chicken breast ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a day in advance and refrigerate them. Cook them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Secure the edges with toothpicks or twine and avoid overstuffing. Searing the chicken before baking also helps seal the edges.
Q: What are some healthy filling options?
Consider using spinach, low-fat ricotta, roasted vegetables, or quinoa for a lighter stuffing that’s still flavorful.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Stuffed chicken breast - Juicy, tender chicken breast filled with a savory stuffing, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or use reserved oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Filling
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp EACH dried basil and oregano
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Sauté garlic and spinach in 1-2 tsp olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until wilted. Cool slightly.
- Combine mozzarella, Parmesan, cream cheese, onion powder, dried herbs, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Stir in the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.
- Pat chicken dry. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket along the side of each breast, careful not to cut through.
- Stuff the pockets generously with the filling and season the chicken with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron or oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden. Use two spatulas to flip carefully if needed.
- If your skillet isn’t oven-safe, transfer chicken to a baking dish.
- Bake for 17-20 minutes or until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
4Amount Per Serving Calories 504Total Fat 28gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 13gCholesterol 152mgSodium 667mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 4gSugar 2gProtein 51g
dinnerbytes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although dinnerbytes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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Final Thoughts
Stuffed chicken breast is the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. Whether you prefer a cheesy filling, a veggie-packed option, or something indulgent like bacon and cheese, this dish offers endless possibilities. Plus, with its make-ahead potential and versatile serving options, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household.
Can you freeze the stuffing mix for another time? I made the recipe mix before I realized I only had two chicken breasts.