Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: Dinner Magic Made Simple

Crafting a delectable stuffed chicken breast recipe promises a culinary adventure that will delight your taste buds.

Succulent chicken transforms into a gourmet masterpiece with simple ingredients and clever techniques.

Cheese, herbs, and unexpected seasonings create a mouthwatering filling that surprises and satisfies.

Mediterranean flavors blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary protein into an extraordinary meal.

Layers of complexity emerge from each carefully selected component.

Home cooks can easily master this impressive dish with a few strategic steps.

You’ll find this recipe both elegant and approachable, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Let’s unlock the secrets to a show-stopping chicken entrée that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part of the chicken breast. The meat should be white and opaque throughout with no pink areas.

  • Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate them, then sear and bake when ready to serve. This helps the flavors meld together.

  • What if my chicken breasts are different sizes?

Try to choose chicken breasts that are similar in size for even cooking. If they vary, adjust cooking time slightly for thicker pieces and use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Full Of Flavor

  • Whip Up Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy spinach and melted cheese, this chicken recipe delivers incredible taste in every single bite.
  • Conquer Dinner Stress: Perfect for busy home cooks who want a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques, this recipe requires minimal preparation steps.
  • Transform Ordinary Protein: Transforms basic chicken breasts into a gourmet dish that looks impressive and tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.
  • Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows switching cheeses or adding different herbs, making it flexible for various dietary preferences and ingredient availability.

Ingredients For Stuffed Chicken Breast

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main vessel for the flavorful stuffing.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the filling.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a sharp, intense taste to the spinach mixture.
  • Cream Cheese: Smooth, rich dairy product that creates a creamy texture in the stuffing.
  • Mozzarella: Mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully and adds a classic cheesy element.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Versatile cooking oil used for sautéing spinach and searing the chicken.
  • Toothpicks: Temporary fasteners to keep the chicken breasts sealed during cooking.

How To Prepare Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for some delicious cooking action.

Step 2: Create Creamy Spinach Filling

Grab a pan and heat up some olive oil.

Toss in fresh spinach and minced garlic, cooking until the spinach gets soft and wilted.

Stir in:
  • Cream cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Mix everything until it becomes a smooth, creamy blend.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Take your chicken breasts and carefully slice a deep pocket into each one.

Sprinkle the chicken with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Paprika

Make sure to season both sides evenly.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast.

Use toothpicks to seal the edges and keep the filling inside.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

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

Place the stuffed chicken breasts into the pan and cook until each side turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the entire skillet directly into the preheated oven.

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

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.

Plate up your delicious stuffed chicken and get ready to impress everyone at the dinner table.

Tips For Stuffed Chicken Breast Success

  • Create a deep pocket in chicken breasts without cutting all the way through for perfect stuffing containment.
  • Mix cream cheese and mozzarella for a creamy, melty filling that adds rich flavor and smooth texture.
  • Golden-brown searing locks in juices and creates a delicious crispy exterior before baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
  • Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent accidentally biting into them and ensure an elegant presentation.

Variations To Explore With Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat goat cheese and use almond flour for coating instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Mediterranean Herb Variation: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil into the spinach mixture, then top with crumbled feta cheese before baking.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cream cheese, using nutritional yeast for extra flavor and using coconut oil instead of olive oil.
  • Protein-Packed Option: Incorporate diced cooked bacon or diced ham into the spinach filling for additional protein and a smoky flavor profile.

Serving Ideas For Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Dinner Date Delight: Impress your partner with this elegant main course that looks restaurant-quality but is surprisingly easy to prepare.
  • Salad Pairing Perfection: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken filling.
  • Wine Companion Recommendation: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the delicate flavors of the stuffed chicken breast.
  • Elegant Plating Style: Slice the chicken diagonally and arrange on a white plate, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Storage Tips For Stuffed Chicken Breast

  • Store stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165F.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated 350F oven for 10-15 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out, covering with foil to retain moisture.
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Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4.7 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 2 1x

Description

Succulent Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast recipe showcases rich flavors of Greece with herbed cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Mediterranean herbs and tangy feta create a delightful meal you’ll want to savor again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (optional)
  • 4 toothpicks

Instructions

  1. Prepare a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Create a savory filling by gently wilting fresh spinach with minced garlic in olive oil, then fold in smooth cream cheese and shredded mozzarella until well combined.
  3. Carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast without cutting completely through, creating a spacious cavity for stuffing.
  4. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, ground black pepper, and smoky paprika to enhance flavor profile.
  5. Delicately fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Secure the open edges of the stuffed chicken breasts using toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
  7. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts until they develop a golden-brown exterior on both sides.
  8. Transfer the entire skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F.
  9. Once cooked, carefully remove toothpicks and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
  • Use fresh spinach for brighter flavor and better texture compared to frozen spinach.
  • Control cheese mixture temperature to prevent separation during cooking by mixing at room temperature.
  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and enhance exterior crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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