Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Crafting a delectable stuffed chicken recipe brings pure culinary magic to your kitchen.

Home cooks adore these flavor-packed meals that spark excitement at the dinner table.

Succulent chicken breasts become incredible canvases for creative ingredient combinations.

Ingredients like herbs, cheeses, and vegetables promise delightful surprises with every single bite.

Savory seasonings and careful preparation can turn an ordinary protein into an extraordinary dining experience.

Cheese and spinach nestled inside golden-brown chicken create irresistible moments of pure gastronomic joy.

Prepare to wow your dinner companions with this simple yet impressive dish that looks professionally prepared.

FAQs

• Is butterflying the chicken breast necessary?

Yes, butterflying helps create a pocket for the stuffing and ensures even cooking, allowing the cheese mixture to be evenly distributed inside the chicken.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese work great. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the spinach and garlic flavors.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and prevents overcooking.

• What if I don't have toothpicks to secure the stuffing?

You can use kitchen twine or carefully fold and tuck the chicken to keep the stuffing inside during cooking. Just be gentle to maintain the stuffing’s integrity.

Stuffed Chicken That Impresses All Palates

• Boost Nutrition: Packed with protein from chicken and calcium-rich cheese, this recipe delivers a balanced meal loaded with essential nutrients that support muscle health and overall wellness.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Transform ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality dish with simple techniques like butterflying and stuffing, making you feel like a professional chef without complex skills.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses, herbs, or vegetables to match your taste preferences or use what's available in your kitchen, creating a personalized dining experience.
• Impress Dinner Guests: Create a stunning main course that looks intricate but requires minimal preparation, perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining friends with a delicious, visually appealing meal.

Ingredients Needed For Stuffed Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this stuffed recipe.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture to the stuffing.
• Spinach: Adds nutritional value and a vibrant green color to the filling.
• Garlic: Brings a sharp and aromatic flavor to the cheese mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Oregano: Create a well-balanced and flavorful seasoning blend for both the inside and outside of the chicken.

• Olive Oil: Helps to sear the chicken and create a golden-brown exterior.
• Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken and keep the filling inside during cooking.

How To Cook Stuffed Chicken Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven dial to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly heated and ready for your delicious chicken adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a butterfly-like pocket without cutting completely through.

This technique allows for maximum stuffing potential.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

• Creamy cheese
• Fresh spinach
• Minced garlic
• Herbs and seasonings

Mix everything until well blended, creating a mouth-watering stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff And Seal Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared mixture. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the delicious filling inside during cooking.

Step 5: Season The Exterior

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dried oregano

Ensure an even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Sear The Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Gently place chicken breasts and cook until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish and slide into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven.

This helps retain juices and ensures a tender, succulent meal. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Tips To Perfect Stuffed Chicken Every Time

• Slice chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket for stuffing, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
• Use fresh spinach and high-quality cheese for the most flavorful and creamy filling that elevates the entire dish.
• Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidental biting and ensure a smooth dining experience.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more crispy exterior when searing.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

Flavorful Twists On Stuffed Chicken

• Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms, keep the same cheese and spinach filling for a meat-free alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap spinach with sun-dried tomatoes and add feta cheese, use oregano and thyme for a Greek-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Use thin turkey breast cutlets instead of chicken, reduce cheese quantity and add more herbs for a leaner protein choice.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cheese with nutritional yeast and cashew cream, use almond-based cream cheese for a plant-based filling that maintains creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions For Stuffed Chicken

• Hearty Family Dinner Delight: Serve the stuffed chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal that everyone will love.
• Elegant Dinner Party Presentation: Slice the chicken diagonally and fan out on a white plate, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, and drizzle with a light lemon sauce for an impressive gourmet look.
• Lunch Meal Prep Option: Cool the stuffed chicken completely, slice, and pack in meal prep containers with quinoa and steamed broccoli for a protein-packed lunch that stays delicious throughout the week.
• Romantic Date Night Dish: Pair the stuffed chicken with a crisp white wine, dim the lights, and serve alongside a small mixed green salad for an intimate and sophisticated dining experience.

Proper Storage Tips For Stuffed Chicken

• Refrigerate leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the chicken pieces separately from side dishes to keep the texture and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in the container to preserve moisture.
• Freeze the stuffed chicken for up to 2 months by placing in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.

Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

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

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken brings together succulent chicken breasts filled with a rich blend of herbs, feta, and spinach. Seared to golden perfection, this dish offers a delightful culinary journey you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mozzarella or cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) spinach

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• Toothpicks

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Instructions

1. Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
2. Combine soft cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and selected herbs in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly.
3. Generously fill each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, ensuring even distribution.
4. Secure the stuffed chicken pockets using toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
5. Sprinkle exterior of chicken with aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful crust.
6. Warm olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on chicken surfaces for 2-3 minutes per side.
7. Carefully transfer seared chicken to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing 20-25 minutes for complete cooking and internal temperature to reach 165°F.
8. Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
9. Gently remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidental biting.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness carefully when butterflying to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Use toothpicks strategically when securing stuffing to keep delicious filling inside during baking and searing.
• Consider low-fat cheese options or dairy-free alternatives for health-conscious or lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like thyme, basil, or rosemary to customize flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg