Stuffed Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking to elevate your typical chicken dinner, this Stuffed Chicken recipe is perfect for you. Filled with a delicious combination of creamy cheese, spinach, and herbs, this recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into a gourmet meal. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just cooking for the family, this dish is sure to impress. The best part? It's versatile, so you can change up the fillings to suit your taste. Follow along for a step-by-step guide, tips, and ideas to create a perfect stuffed chicken dish that’s juicy, flavorful, and easy to make.

What is Stuffed Chicken?

Stuffed Chicken typically refers to boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are cut and filled with a savory stuffing, often consisting of ingredients like cheese, herbs, and vegetables. The chicken is then seared or baked to create a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the filling warm and melty inside. It’s a dish that looks fancy but is easy enough to make on a weeknight. The stuffing possibilities are endless, allowing you to get creative with flavors and textures. From classic cheese and spinach to sun-dried tomatoes and mushrooms, stuffed chicken is a versatile recipe that can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients List for Stuffed Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect stuffed chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried thyme, oregano, and basil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• Toothpicks (to secure the chicken)

Substitutions and Variations

This stuffed chicken recipe is versatile, and you can adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Here are some great substitutions and variations you can try:

• Cheese: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can use ricotta, feta, or goat cheese for a tangier flavor. For the shredded cheese, try cheddar, gouda, or even Monterey Jack.
• Spinach: Swap out spinach for other greens like kale or arugula, or use sautéed mushrooms for a more earthy flavor.
• Low-carb option: For a keto-friendly version, keep the cheese and spinach but skip breadcrumbs or starches in any variations.
• Add-ins: Sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or cooked bacon can be mixed into the stuffing for extra flavor and texture.
• Spices: Add a bit of smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the process of making Stuffed Chicken step-by-step:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

• Butterfly the chicken breasts: Place the chicken breast on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a "pocket" or a flap, without cutting all the way through.
• Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. This ensures the chicken is flavorful both inside and out.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• Sauté the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook until wilted (about 2-3 minutes for fresh spinach). If using frozen spinach, simply sauté until heated through.
• Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well-mixed and creamy.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

• Stuff the chicken breasts: Spoon the filling mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, being careful not to overfill them. You can use about 2-3 tablespoons of filling per breast, depending on their size.
• Secure with toothpicks: Once stuffed, use toothpicks to secure the opening of each chicken breast. This will help keep the filling inside while the chicken cooks.

Step 4: Sear the Chicken

• Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Sear the chicken: In the same skillet you used for the spinach, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor and texture to the outside of the chicken.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken

• Transfer to the oven: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven (if oven-safe) or move the chicken breasts to a baking dish.
• Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring it's fully cooked.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Rest the chicken: Remove the stuffed chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the chicken moist.
• Garnish and serve: Remove the toothpicks and garnish the stuffed chicken breasts with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

How to Cook Stuffed Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Butterfly and Season Chicken: Slice the chicken to create a pocket and season it thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Filling: Sauté spinach, mix with cheeses, and season the filling.
3. Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the filling into each chicken breast and secure it with toothpicks.
4. Sear the Chicken: Sear the chicken in a hot skillet to create a golden, crispy exterior.
5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer to the oven and bake until fully cooked through.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest before serving for optimal juiciness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Although this dish is relatively easy, here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overstuffing the Chicken: Be careful not to overfill the chicken, as it can cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
• Underseasoning: Don’t forget to season the chicken on both sides! It’s essential for adding flavor to the entire dish.
• Overcooking: Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. Overcooked chicken can be dry, while undercooked chicken is unsafe to eat.
• Skipping the Searing Step: Searing the chicken before baking adds a layer of flavor and texture to the dish, so don’t skip this step.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Stuffed Chicken is a complete dish, but it pairs well with a variety of sides and can be presented beautifully with a few simple touches.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve stuffed chicken with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
• Plating: Slice the chicken breast on a diagonal and fan out the pieces on a plate to showcase the colorful filling inside. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil or balsamic glaze for a finishing touch.
• Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan add extra flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Stuffed Chicken

• Family Style: Place the stuffed chicken on a platter and serve alongside your favorite sides for an easy, family-style meal.
• Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, serve each stuffed chicken breast sliced on individual plates, paired with a side like garlic mashed potatoes or asparagus.
• Sauce Ideas: Serve with a creamy garlic sauce, marinara, or a light lemon butter sauce for extra richness.

Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Chicken

• Serve stuffed chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted greens for an elegant presentation.
• Slice the chicken breast halfway to reveal the colorful filling inside before serving.
• Garnish the plate with a lemon wedge or sprigs of fresh thyme for a rustic yet polished look.

Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. When ready, just sear and bake as directed.
• Leftovers: Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezing: You can also freeze stuffed chicken breasts before or after cooking. Freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta, goat cheese, or feta for a different flavor. Mix and match shredded cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss.

2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.

3. Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it?
Yes! You can grill stuffed chicken, but be sure to sear it over medium heat and cook it slowly to avoid burning the outside while the inside cooks through.

4. What other fillings can I try?
Get creative! You can fill chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, mushrooms, bacon, or any combination of cheeses and vegetables.

Conclusion

Stuffed Chicken is a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, juicy chicken filled with a delicious, cheesy spinach filling, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this stuffed chicken recipe is versatile, customizable, and always a hit. Try it today, and enjoy a gourmet meal right in your own kitchen!

Print