If you've ever been to Ruth's Chris Steak House, you're likely familiar with their famous Stuffed Chicken—an incredibly delicious dish featuring perfectly seasoned, tender chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, creamy cheese filling. This copycat recipe captures the essence of the original, using a savory blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and simple seasonings to create a decadent stuffing. The result is a perfectly juicy, flavorful chicken dish that tastes just like the real thing, but it's easy enough to make at home. Whether you’re hosting a special dinner or just want to treat yourself, this recipe will definitely impress!

What is Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken?

Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken is a signature dish from the famous steakhouse that features juicy, oven-baked chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and a few simple spices. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then baked, ensuring that it’s both crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients List for Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Stuffed Chicken recipe:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
1 tablespoon butter (for searing)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)

Substitutions and Variations

You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or to make use of ingredients you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Cheese: If you're not a fan of cheddar, try using mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère cheese for a different flavor profile. For a more decadent version, mix in some Parmesan cheese with the filling.
Herbs: Add fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or rosemary to the cream cheese mixture for added flavor. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top after baking can also brighten up the dish.
Spices: Feel free to add extra spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika for a kick of heat.
Bacon: Wrap the chicken breasts in bacon before baking for an even more indulgent twist.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this delicious Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken at home:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place each chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Carefully use a sharp knife to cut a horizontal slit into each chicken breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Stuffing

Combine the filling: In a medium-sized bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Stuff the chicken: Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Gently press the chicken closed over the filling. Use toothpicks to secure the chicken if needed, so the filling doesn’t spill out during cooking.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the oil and butter: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat until the butter is melted and bubbly.
Sear the chicken: Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the hot skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. This helps to lock in the juices and create a crispy exterior.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet to the oven: Once seared, place the skillet with the chicken breasts into the preheated oven. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish instead.
Bake the chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
Garnish and serve: Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and serve with your favorite side dishes.

How to Cook Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Butterfly and Season Chicken: Create a pocket in the chicken breasts, and season them on both sides.
Prepare the Filling: Mix cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings to create a rich stuffing.
Stuff the Chicken: Fill each chicken breast with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Sear the Chicken: Sear the stuffed chicken in a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake until fully cooked and the cheese is melted and creamy.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve with your favorite sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken turns out perfectly:

Overfilling the Chicken: Don’t overstuff the chicken breasts, as too much filling can spill out during cooking. About 2-3 tablespoons of filling per chicken breast should be enough.
Undersearing the Chicken: Make sure to sear the chicken until it’s golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the chicken and helps it retain moisture during baking.
Skipping the Resting Period: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep the chicken juicy.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions and presentation ideas to make it even more special:

Serving Suggestions: Serve this stuffed chicken with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad. You could also pair it with a creamy risotto or buttery garlic bread.
Plating: For a beautiful presentation, slice the chicken breasts diagonally to reveal the creamy cheese filling inside, and arrange the slices on each plate. Drizzle any pan juices over the top for added flavor.
Garnish: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Family Style: Serve the stuffed chicken breasts whole on a large platter, letting everyone cut their own portions at the table.
Individual Plates: Plate each chicken breast with a side of vegetables or potatoes and drizzle with any leftover pan juices.
Elegant Dinner: Slice the chicken breast into medallions, arrange them on a plate, and serve with a drizzle of sauce or pan juices for a restaurant-style presentation.

Presentation Ideas for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Slice the chicken breast halfway to reveal the cheesy stuffing, and garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Serve with roasted vegetables arranged around the chicken for a vibrant and colorful presentation.
Add a wedge of lemon on the side for a bright, citrusy contrast to the richness of the cheese filling.

Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before searing and baking.
Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the stuffed chicken before cooking. Wrap each stuffed breast tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. The flavor will be slightly richer, and the cooking time may be slightly shorter since thighs cook faster than breasts.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part to be fully cooked and safe to eat.

3. Can I make this dish without searing the chicken?
Searing the chicken adds a lot of flavor and creates a crispy exterior, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step and just bake the chicken directly. It may not be as golden brown, but it will still taste delicious.

4. Can I add other ingredients to the stuffing?
Yes! Feel free to get creative with the filling by adding ingredients like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bacon. Just be careful not to overstuff the chicken.

Conclusion

This Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe brings the indulgent flavors of the famous steakhouse dish right to your kitchen. With its juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling, it's a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for a special dinner or a cozy night at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish that’s easy to make at home!