The Best Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Everyone Will Love

Juicy and tender stuffed chicken breast captures the essence of home-style comfort cooking with surprising elegance.

Crisp herbs and melted cheese create a delightful center that makes every bite memorable.

Weeknight dinners transform into special occasions when you slice through this delectable main course.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical combination that feels both sophisticated and approachable.

Fresh seasonings complement the rich filling, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Each carefully crafted portion delivers remarkable flavor without complicated techniques.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that impresses without overwhelming your cooking skills.

One forkful will convince you this dish belongs in your regular rotation.

How to Keep Stuffed Chicken Breast Tasty

• Wrap cooled stuffed chicken breasts tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and preventing moisture loss.
• Allow chicken to cool completely, then individually wrap each breast in plastic wrap and place inside a freezer-safe ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, labeling with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain the original juicy texture.

FAQs

• How do I prevent the stuffing from leaking out during cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the opening of the chicken breast pocket after stuffing. Press the edges together firmly and ensure the stuffing is packed tightly inside the pocket.

• Can I use different types of cheese for the stuffing?

Absolutely! You can substitute mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone, gouda, or swiss cheese. Just ensure the cheese complements the spinach and melts well.

• What if I don't have fresh spinach?

Frozen spinach works perfectly. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with the cheese and garlic to prevent the stuffing from becoming watery.

Stuffed Chicken Breast: A Family Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines two classic favorites – meatloaf and mac and cheese – into one delicious dish that satisfies hearty appetites and brings smiles to the table.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Requires simple ingredients and straightforward mixing, making it perfect for home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Knockout: Blends protein and cheesy pasta in a way that appeals to both children and adults, transforming a traditional meatloaf into an exciting family dinner that feels like a treat.
• One-Pan Wonder: Saves on dishes and cleanup by creating a complete meal in a single baking dish, reducing kitchen mess and making weeknight cooking a breeze.

Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breast Success

• Chicken Breast: Large, boneless cuts that serve as the main canvas for this delicious stuffed recipe.

• Spinach: Adds a nutritious green element and creates a creamy texture in the stuffing.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Provides a classic, melty component that enhances the stuffing's richness.
• Cream Cheese: Brings a smooth, tangy base that helps bind the stuffing ingredients together.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers a sharp, aromatic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.

• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color to the chicken's exterior.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a savory depth to the seasoning blend.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Toothpicks: Optional tool for securing the stuffed chicken breasts during preparation.

Steps for Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C) to get ready for delicious chicken magic.

Step 2: Create A Hidden Pocket

Carefully slice a secret pocket into each chicken breast, keeping the edges intact so the filling stays snug inside.

Step 3: Prepare The Creamy Filling

• Fresh spinach
• Creamy mozzarella cheese
• Smooth cream cheese
• Zesty minced garlic

Blend these ingredients until they become a delightful, well-mixed mixture.

Step 4: Stuff And Secure

Generously fill each chicken breast with the spinach mixture.

If needed, use toothpicks to keep the filling tucked inside.

Step 5: Season The Exterior

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoky paprika
• Aromatic onion powder

Step 6: Sear To Golden Perfection

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

Cook the chicken breasts until they turn a beautiful golden brown, approximately 3 minutes on each side.

Step 7: Bake Until Fully Cooked

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 165F (74C).

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute, then serve and enjoy your mouthwatering creation.

Cooking Tips for Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a deep pocket without cutting through, ensuring even stuffing distribution.
• Use full-fat cream cheese for richer flavor and better binding of the spinach and mozzarella mixture.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and promote perfect golden-brown searing.
• Choose fresh garlic for more intense flavor compared to pre-minced versions, finely chopping for even distribution.
• Remove toothpicks before serving and let chicken rest to allow juices to redistribute, keeping meat tender and moist.

Fun Ways to Vary Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired filling.
• Cajun Kick: Mix the cheese blend with andouille sausage, bell peppers, and Cajun seasoning for a spicy southern version.
• Herb Garden Sensation: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, and parsley into the cheese mixture, then top with a light herbed breadcrumb coating before baking.
• Mushroom Madness: Swap spinach for sautéed wild mushrooms, add goat cheese, and include a splash of white wine in the filling for an earthy flavor profile.

Sharing Stuffed Chicken Breast Around the Table

• Fresh Garden Salad: Toss crisp mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy salad cuts through the rich, creamy chicken perfectly.
• Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Drizzle asparagus spears with olive oil, sprinkle with garlic and parmesan, then roast until tender. These elegant vegetables complement the stuffed chicken's savory profile.
• Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Cook quinoa with chicken broth, fold in chopped fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The light, fluffy grain provides a nutritious base that balances the protein-packed chicken.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Classic stuffed chicken breast combines tender poultry with a rich, creamy spinach and feta filling. Crisp golden-brown exterior gives way to a luxurious, flavor-packed interior that satisfies savory cravings and impresses dinner guests.

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Ingredients

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• 4 chicken breasts
• 14 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• salt
• pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
3. Combine finely chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until well integrated.
4. Generously fill each chicken breast with the prepared spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
5. Liberally coat the exterior of the chicken breasts with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic onion powder.
6. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become extremely hot before adding chicken.
7. Sear chicken breasts for approximately 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, creating a flavorful exterior.
8. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, placing in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
9. Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
10. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and ensures maximum tenderness before serving.

Notes

• Customize the filling by swapping spinach with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a flavor twist.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before creating the pocket for stuffing.
• Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 282 kcal
• Sugar: 0.4 g
• Sodium: 238 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
• Fiber: 0.7 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg