Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Craving a mouthwatering stuffed chicken recipe that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight?

Succulent breasts become irresistible when packed with dreamy, creamy fillings that burst with flavor.

Cheese, herbs, and unexpected ingredients create magic inside tender meat pockets.

Weeknight dinners transform from ordinary to extraordinary with this simple yet impressive dish.

Home cooks can master this technique without breaking a sweat.

Culinary skills shine through with each perfectly seasoned and carefully rolled chicken bundle.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe and impress everyone at the dinner table.

A Savory Delight with Stuffed Chicken

  • Boost Nutrition with Greens: Packed with spinach, this recipe delivers a healthy punch of vitamins and minerals, making it a smart choice for those wanting a nutritious meal.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Easily swap ingredients like different cheeses or add personal favorite herbs to create a unique dish that matches your taste preferences.
  • Impress Dinner Guests Instantly: This gourmet-looking stuffed chicken appears complex but requires minimal cooking skills, allowing you to serve a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: With simple preparation steps and minimal ingredients, this recipe becomes a go-to solution for busy families seeking a delicious and satisfying dinner option.

Ingredients Needed for Stuffed Chicken

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: Large, boneless cuts perfect for stuffing and creating a delicious main dish.
Stuffing Ingredients:
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds rich flavor to the chicken.
  • Spinach: Fresh green vegetable that provides nutrients and a vibrant color to the filling.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intensely flavored tomatoes that bring a tangy and sweet component to the stuffing.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the filling.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Helps to create a golden, crispy exterior on the chicken.
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herb blend that adds depth and traditional Mediterranean flavor.
  • Toothpicks: Used to secure the stuffed chicken and keep the filling inside during cooking.

How to Make Stuffed Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or a quick brush of olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a butterfly effect. Make sure you don’t cut completely through – you want a nice pocket for your delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Filling

Gather your filling ingredients:
  • Creamy mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh spinach leaves
  • Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
  • Minced garlic

Mix these ingredients in a bowl until they’re perfectly combined and bursting with flavor.

Step 4: Stuff and Secure Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast with the cheese mixture.

Use toothpicks to seal the edges, keeping all that deliciousness locked inside.

Step 5: Season the Exterior

Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle with:
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Zesty Italian seasoning

Massage the seasonings into the chicken to ensure maximum flavor absorption.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the stuffed chicken to your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when the chicken turns a beautiful golden brown and is cooked through completely.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Pull the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful. Remove the toothpicks before serving and enjoy your gourmet creation!

Pro Tips for Stuffed Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry before stuffing to prevent excess moisture and ensure crispy exterior.
  • Use toothpicks carefully and remember to remove them before serving to avoid accidents.
  • Swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
  • Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption using a meat thermometer.
  • Slice sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks in stuffing mixture.

Flavor Variations to Explore with Stuffed Chicken

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with diced bell peppers and use full-fat cream cheese instead of mozzarella for a ketogenic-friendly option.
  • Mediterranean Herb Swap: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add feta cheese with chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free mozzarella cheese, replace spinach with kale, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy taste suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Protein Powerhouse: Swap chicken breasts with turkey breasts and add quinoa to the filling for an extra protein boost and different texture.

Serving Ideas for Stuffed Chicken

  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Present this stuffed chicken on a large white platter with fresh herb garnish, creating a restaurant-style visual that will impress guests.
  • Rustic Mediterranean Plate: Slice the chicken and arrange over a bed of herbed quinoa, drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
  • Healthy Lunch Companion: Pack sliced stuffed chicken with a crisp arugula salad and light lemon vinaigrette for a nutritious, colorful work or picnic lunch option.
  • Romantic Date Night Special: Serve alongside roasted asparagus and a glass of crisp white wine, creating an intimate and sophisticated dining experience.

Storage Tips for Stuffed Chicken

  • Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Wrap each piece individually in aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to ensure food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Keep the stuffed chicken separate from other foods to avoid cross-contamination.

FAQs

  • How do I butterfly a chicken breast correctly?

Carefully slice the chicken breast horizontally with a sharp knife, keeping the knife parallel to the cutting board. Cut almost through but not completely, so the breast opens like a book, creating a larger surface for stuffing.

  • Can I prepare the stuffed chicken in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours before cooking. Cover and refrigerate them, then bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

  • What can I do if I don't have Italian seasoning?

Create a quick substitute by mixing dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary in equal proportions. If you’re missing one herb, simply use the others you have available.

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Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 9 reviews

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

Description

Savory stuffed chicken brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with a delightful blend of herbs and cheese. Crisp exterior and juicy interior promise a memorable meal that satisfies and delights you.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless chicken breasts

Cheese and Vegetables:

  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced

Seasonings and Preparation:

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks (for sealing)

Instructions

  1. Carefully create a lengthwise pocket in each chicken breast, keeping one side intact to form a butterfly-like opening.
  2. Combine mozzarella, finely chopped spinach, diced sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl, blending ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Generously fill each chicken breast with the prepared cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the pocket.
  4. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
  5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and season externally with a robust blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  6. Arrange the prepared chicken in a lightly greased baking dish, positioning pieces to ensure even heat circulation.
  7. Roast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
  9. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving and plate the stuffed chicken to showcase the vibrant, melted filling.

Notes

  • Choose chicken breasts of uniform thickness to ensure even cooking and perfect stuffing distribution.
  • Pat chicken dry before butterflying to help seasoning adhere better and prevent excess moisture.
  • Use fresh spinach and high-quality mozzarella for maximum flavor and creamy texture.
  • Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to prevent accidental biting and ensure guest safety.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 357 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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