Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
If you’re craving a meal that delivers serious wow-factor with hardly any fuss, the Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is your new culinary best friend. Picture this: juicy chicken breasts packed with a medley of creamy cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, baked until golden and bubbling. It’s impressive enough for date night, comforting enough for a midweek dinner, and, best of all, it manages to hit the “better-for-you” notes without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re an adventurous home cook or just dipping your toes into weeknight innovation, this recipe is bound to earn a solid spot in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze, but every item brings its own magic to the Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe. The combination creates not just flavor but an irresistible aroma and vibrant color, making each bite something to remember.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for juiciness and the perfect canvas for stuffing.
- Fresh spinach: Chopped spinach adds color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness that brightens every bite.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These concentrated jewels bring a burst of tangy-sweet flavor and a lovely chew.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty mozzarella provides that stretchy, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- Cream cheese: Just a bit makes the filling creamy and luscious, binding everything together.
- Garlic powder: Adds mild, mellow garlic flavor without overpowering the delicate filling.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle brings a touch of Mediterranean herbs, instantly boosting the aroma.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the natural flavors in the chicken and filling.
- Black pepper: For a subtle kick and to balance all the other flavors.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: Ensures a golden, flavorful sear and prevents sticking during baking.
How to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and combining the chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Think of this step as making the heart of the Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe; you want everything evenly distributed, so you savor every flavor in each forkful!
Step 2: Butterfly the Chicken
Take your chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each one. Be gentle—you want to create a roomy space for the filling but avoid slicing all the way through. If the idea makes you nervous, don’t worry! Just take your time and keep your hand steady.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Spread out the chicken breasts and sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning adds a burst of flavor and locks in the juiciness, ensuring the chicken shines through the rich, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Stuff and Secure
Now comes the fun part: fill each chicken breast pocket with an even amount of the creamy spinach mixture. If your chicken is bursting at the seams (a good sign!), secure the edges with toothpicks so nothing escapes while cooking.
Step 5: Sear for Flavor
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on each side for 2–3 minutes until golden. This step adds a beautiful color and extra layer of flavor that makes this Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe sing.
Step 6: Bake Until Juicy and Perfect
Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is melty and bubbling. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing—this keeps it moist and tender!
How to Serve Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and an extra blast of freshness. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens every bite, making the flavors come alive.
Side Dishes
This dish is a star on its own, but it truly shines when paired with simple sides. Think garlic roasted potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad. If you love dipping, a spoonful of pesto or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze takes it over the top.
Creative Ways to Present
Sliced and fanned out on a platter, the stuffed chicken shows off its gorgeous filling and turns dinner into a showstopper. Serve atop a bed of wilted greens or creamy risotto for a stunning dinner-party feel, or tuck the sliced chicken into warm wraps with extra spinach for a fun lunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers fresh, let the chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The filling actually gets even more flavorful overnight, making for a delicious repeat meal!
Freezing
The Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the stuffed, uncooked chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to two months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, which keeps the chicken moist and the cheese perfectly gooey. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just use short intervals and cover loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I substitute other cheeses in the Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in provolone, gouda, or cheddar for a different cheesy twist. The recipe is very forgiving, so experiment with whatever you have on hand or mix and match your favorites.
Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and squeeze out as much water as possible from frozen spinach before mixing it into the filling. Too much moisture might make the filling runny, but the flavor is still terrific.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use roasted red peppers or chopped olives for a similar punch of flavor and color. The filling is very customizable and can accommodate your pantry staples without missing a beat.
Can I make the Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe ahead of time for a dinner party?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead, refrigerate, and simply bake them before serving. This makes prep for gatherings a breeze and ensures freshly cooked results.
How do I know when the stuffed chicken is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The juices should run clear, and the filling should be hot and bubbly for the perfect dinner every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share your table, give this Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe a try. It’s flavorful, easy, and guaranteed to spark joy from the first bite to the last—happy cooking!
Print
Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these flavorful stuffed chicken breasts filled with a delicious blend of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Others:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Filling: Combine spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in a bowl.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, then stuff with the mixture.
- Sear Chicken: Sear stuffed chicken in a skillet, then bake in the oven until cooked through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs for added flavor.
- If no oven-safe skillet, bake the chicken on a sheet pan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
