Easy Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: Dinner Magic Awaits

Crispy, golden-brown stuffed chicken breast sits at the heart of culinary comfort.

Tender meat embraces a delightful blend of creamy cheese and vibrant herbs.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can master this recipe without complicated techniques.

Each slice reveals a burst of unexpected flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal ingredients combine to create maximum satisfaction.

Savor every bite of this restaurant-worthy meal you’ll proudly serve at your table.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Overview

• Packed with creamy spinach and cheese filling that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet meal bursting with rich, tantalizing flavors.
• Requires minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels who want a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.
• Versatile recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like different cheeses, herbs, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour, providing a spectacular main dish that looks impressive but comes together effortlessly for busy families.

What Goes Into Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and provides nutritious greens to the filling.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a rich and creamy base for the stuffing mixture.
• Shredded Cheese: Brings extra melty texture and enhances the overall cheesy flavor.
• Garlic: Introduces a sharp and aromatic flavor to the stuffing.
• Italian Seasoning: Offers a blend of classic herbs to complement the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Provides essential seasoning to enhance the taste of the filling.

• Chicken Breast: Serves as the main protein and vessel for the delicious stuffing.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and create a golden brown exterior.
• Toothpicks: Optional tool to secure the stuffing inside the chicken breast.

Preparing Stuffed Chicken Breast at Home

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine the exciting ingredients that will transform your chicken.

Mix together soft, creamy cream cheese with vibrant spinach, melty shredded cheese, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Add a dash of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

• Cream cheese
• Spinach
• Shredded cheese
• Garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Craft Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through.

Think of it like creating a cozy home for your delicious filling.

Gently stuff each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, making sure it’s packed full of goodness.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a large oven-safe skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the sizzling pan.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms, sealing in all those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Bake Until Juicy

Slide the entire skillet into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Let the chicken bake for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

This will guarantee your chicken is cooked through and incredibly juicy.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and moist.

Slice the chicken and plate up this mouthwatering masterpiece that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.

Best Tips for Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Select crisp spinach and high-quality cream cheese for the most vibrant and flavorful filling.
• Fill chicken breasts carefully to avoid tearing and ensure even cooking, using toothpicks to secure the pocket if needed.
• Use a hot skillet and create a golden-brown crust by not moving the chicken during the initial searing process for maximum flavor development.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.

How to Save and Warm Up Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, they'll stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen stuffed chicken can last up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Check internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure food safety.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle a little chicken broth over the top to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.

Pairing Ideas for Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the creamy, herbal flavors of the stuffed chicken, cutting through the richness with their bright acidity.
• Serve with Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables: Colorful zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes roasted with olive oil and herbs create a vibrant side that echoes the Italian seasoning in the chicken.
• Match with Herb-Infused Quinoa: Light, fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh parsley and lemon zest provides a protein-packed, nutritious base that balances the creamy chicken filling.
• Select a Crisp Salad Companion: Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a peppery, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate and lightens the dish's richness.

Unique Takes on Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with almond cream cheese and use low-fat mozzarella. Omit Italian seasoning and add fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese and add roasted red peppers for moisture and richness.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with large portobello mushrooms or thick sliced eggplant. Stuff with same spinach mixture and bake until tender and golden.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use cornstarch instead of flour for any potential thickening and verify seasoning blends are gluten-free certified.

FAQs

• How do I know if the chicken is properly stuffed?

Look for a well-sealed pocket without filling spilling out. If needed, use toothpicks to close the opening and prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

You can start searing the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer to a baking dish for the oven portion of cooking. Just ensure the baking dish can withstand the high temperature.

• How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, and avoid overcooking. The chicken is done at 165F (74C). Let it rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain moisture.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts get a flavor-packed makeover with this irresistible stuffed chicken breast recipe. Rich herbed cheese and aromatic herbs nestle inside tender chicken, creating a delightful main course that will leave you craving more.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious filling by blending spinach, cream cheese, shredded cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
2. Create a discreet pocket in each chicken breast, carefully slicing along the side without piercing through completely. Delicately stuff the pockets with the prepared cheese and spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure if necessary.
3. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
4. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Transfer the skillet directly into the oven and roast for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) for perfect doneness.
5. Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Slice and plate the succulent stuffed chicken breasts, presenting a restaurant-quality meal.

Notes

• Select fresh, high-quality spinach for a vibrant and rich filling that enhances the overall flavor of the stuffed chicken.
• Use a sharp knife to create an even pocket in the chicken breast, ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking and prevents leakage.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry before stuffing to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing and baking.
• For a low-carb option, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 100mg