Perfect Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Easy Homemade Stuffed Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Delight

Tender and juicy stuffed chicken promises a delightful culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Fragrant herbs and creamy cheese nestle inside succulent meat, creating a mouthwatering combination.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend perfectly.

Each bite delivers a symphony of flavors that surprises and satisfies.

Crispy exterior gives way to a luxurious, smooth filling that melts on your tongue.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this irresistible dish.

Come explore how a few smart techniques can turn an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

FAQs

  • How do I prevent the stuffing from falling out while cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breast opening after stuffing, which helps keep the filling inside during searing and baking.

  • Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance and store them covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

  • What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is ideal, but you can also use other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for similar creamy results.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast.

Flavorful Stuffed Chicken For Any Occasion

  • Create Delicious Flavor Combinations: Blend creamy mozzarella, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a mouthwatering stuffed chicken experience that elevates a simple protein into a gourmet meal.
  • Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking at Home: Sear and bake technique delivers professional-looking results with crispy exterior and juicy interior, making you feel like a skilled chef without complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Endless Variations: Swap ingredients easily by changing cheese types, adding different herbs, or incorporating alternative vegetables to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
  • Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare a nutritious, impressive main course in under an hour, perfect for busy families wanting a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients For Flavorful Stuffed Chicken

Main Proteins:
  • Chicken Breast: Lean and tender meat that serves as the base for this stuffed recipe.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element with a mild flavor.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a creamy and melty texture to the filling.
  • Cream Cheese: Helps bind the stuffing and creates a rich, smooth consistency.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Offers a concentrated, tangy flavor to the chicken filling.
  • Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic taste to the stuffing.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Helps with searing and adding a subtle richness to the chicken.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffing inside the chicken breast during cooking.

How To Cook Stuffed Chicken Like A Pro

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) so it’s ready for our delicious chicken adventure.

Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast.

Use a sharp knife and slice horizontally, keeping the bottom and sides intact so the filling stays snug inside.

Step 3: Craft the Flavor-Packed Filling

Grab a mixing bowl and combine your tasty ingredients:
  • Fresh spinach
  • Creamy mozzarella
  • Smooth cream cheese
  • Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Stuff and Secure the Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the scrumptious mixture. Use toothpicks to seal the opening and keep all those delicious ingredients inside.

Step 5: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Italian seasoning

Coat each breast evenly for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, creating a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet directly into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender meal. Remove toothpicks before serving.

Tips For Moist And Delicious Stuffed Chicken

  • Use fresh, high-quality mozzarella for the creamiest filling and best flavor.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before slicing to ensure a perfect sear and prevent excess moisture.
  • Carefully monitor cooking time to avoid overcooking, which can make chicken dry and tough.
  • For a low-carb version, replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted bell peppers or omit.
  • Prep the filling ingredients ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce stress in the kitchen.

Fun Twists For Stuffed Chicken To Try

  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace spinach with chopped fresh basil and oregano, use feta cheese instead of mozzarella, and add kalamata olives to the stuffing for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap cream cheese with goat cheese, remove sun-dried tomatoes, add more herbs like thyme and rosemary, and use almond flour for any potential breading.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or eggplant, keep the cheese mixture similar, and adjust baking time to 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
  • Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, replace mozzarella with pepper jack cheese, add cumin and chili powder to the seasoning, and serve with salsa or cilantro garnish.

Serving Stuffed Chicken With Style

  • Mediterranean Platter Paradise: Slice the stuffed chicken and arrange it beautifully on a large wooden board with olives, feta cheese, fresh herbs, and warm pita bread for a stunning shared meal experience.
  • Pasta Companion Delight: Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of creamy fettuccine or angel hair pasta, drizzling the pan juices as a delicious sauce to enhance the flavors.
  • Crisp Salad Topper: Cut the chicken into thin strips and place atop a fresh mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light lemon vinaigrette for a lighter, refreshing option.
  • Elegant Solo Plate: Present the whole stuffed chicken breast centered on a white plate with roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or zucchini for an impressive individual dinner presentation.

How To Keep Stuffed Chicken Fresh

  • Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Allow the chicken to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn if you plan to freeze the chicken.
  • Reheat refrigerated chicken in the oven at 350F (175C) for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
  • When microwaving, use 50% power and heat in 30-second intervals, checking the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) to ensure food safety.
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Perfect Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Perfect Stuffed Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent stuffed chicken breasts showcase a Mediterranean-inspired filling of spinach, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mediterranean herbs and a golden-brown crust elevate this elegant dinner plate for home chefs to savor and enjoy.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling Ingredients:

  • 1 cup spinach (chopped)
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Seasonings and Cooking Components:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Create a deep pocket in each chicken breast, ensuring the cut doesn’t completely separate the meat.
  3. Combine the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic until well incorporated.
  4. Carefully fill each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, using toothpicks to seal and prevent spillage.
  5. Generously season the stuffed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage.
  6. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side to develop a golden-brown crust.
  7. Carefully transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven, continuing to cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches full internal doneness.
  8. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute the juices and maintain moisture.

Notes

  • Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through completely, ensuring even stuffing distribution.
  • Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing with other stuffing ingredients.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidental biting and ensure elegant plate presentation.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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