Tender Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: A Juicy Dinner Triumph

Tender and juicy stuffed chicken breast delivers a mouthwatering culinary adventure right to your plate.

My kitchen experiments have revealed surprising flavor combinations that make this dish truly special.

Stuffing transforms ordinary poultry into an extraordinary meal bursting with unexpected textures.

Home cooks can easily master this technique with just a few simple ingredients.

Carefully selected fillings like spinach, feta, and herbs create delightful taste experiences.

Each bite promises a delectable surprise waiting to be savored.

Come explore this delicious recipe that turns an everyday protein into a gourmet sensation.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Makes Dinner Feel Fancy And Fulfilling

Quick Kitchen Victory: Effortless Gourmet Meal

• Slice and Stuff Technique: Simple method allows home cooks to transform ordinary chicken into restaurant-quality dish without complex culinary skills.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Uses common pantry staples like cheese, herbs, and chicken to create an impressive meal with maximum flavor and minimal shopping.
• Fast Cooking Performance: Ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or unexpected guest appearances.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable recipe that appeals to both adults and kids, with creamy cheese filling that makes healthy protein exciting and delicious.

What Goes In Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean meat that serves as the main vessel for stuffing, best when boneless and skinless for even cooking.

• Mozzarella Cheese, Cream Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that create a rich and smooth stuffing with tangy flavor. Fresh, high-quality cheese works best.

• Parsley, Basil: Fresh herbs that add brightness and aromatic depth to the chicken filling. Choose vibrant green herbs with strong fragrance.
• Garlic: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Fresh garlic cloves offer the most intense flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese. Kosher or sea salt recommended for better taste.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning of the chicken. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Simple Prep

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Open up each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting completely through.

This technique allows you to stuff the chicken with delicious filling.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Blend

• Mozzarella cheese
• Cream cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped basil
• Minced garlic

Mix these ingredients thoroughly, then season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Stuff and Secure Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the cheese mixture.

Use toothpicks to close and hold the stuffing inside, preventing it from leaking during cooking.

Step 4: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior.

Step 5: Bake Until Fully Cooked

Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish and place in a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches a safe internal temperature.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps redistribute the juices, keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Remove toothpicks before serving.

Stuffing Techniques That Keep Chicken Juicy And Balanced

• Use toothpicks strategically to seal the chicken breast edges, stopping cheese from oozing out during cooking.
• Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before stuffing to ensure crispy exterior and prevent soggy texture.
• Double-season by adding salt and pepper to both cheese mixture and chicken surface for deeper flavor profile.
• Use meat thermometer to verify internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, goat cheese, or feta to create unique flavor variations.

Tips for Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.
• Wrap cooled chicken tightly in plastic wrap and freezer bag, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Side Picks for Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy cheese filling and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Herbaceous Herb Companion: Create a fresh parsley and basil chimichurri sauce that mirrors the stuffing's herbs, enhancing the chicken's flavor profile and adding vibrant green complexity.
• Roasted Vegetable Symphony: Prepare roasted asparagus or zucchini with garlic and olive oil, which provides a light, tender side that balances the substantial protein and creates textural harmony.
• Bright Citrus Accent: Squeeze fresh lemon over the dish just before serving, introducing a zesty brightness that lifts the cheese's creaminess and adds a refreshing layer to each bite.

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Filling Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace toothpicks with kitchen twine to secure the chicken, ensuring no gluten-containing materials are used during preparation.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap mozzarella and cream cheese for goat cheese and swap parsley with chives, reducing overall carbohydrate content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternative made from cashews or almond base, mixed with nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella. Replace herb mix with fresh thyme and rosemary for complementary taste.
• Mediterranean Spin: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach into the cheese mixture. Add oregano and replace olive oil with avocado oil for a Greek-inspired variation.

FAQs

• Why should I butterfly the chicken breast?

Butterflying allows the chicken to cook evenly and creates more surface area for the delicious cheese stuffing, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breast in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day ahead and refrigerate them. Just take them out 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature.

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

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• What herbs can I substitute if I don't have parsley or basil?

You can use dried or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or chives. Each will add a unique flavor to the cheese mixture while keeping the recipe versatile.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent stuffed chicken breast brims with Mediterranean charm, blending rich herbs and creamy cheese into a delightful culinary experience. Crispy golden exterior meets tender, flavorful interior, promising a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredient:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare a warm oven environment at 375°F (190°C) for optimal cooking conditions.
2. Delicately open each chicken breast like a book by carefully slicing horizontally, ensuring the cut does not completely separate the meat.
3. Create a luxurious cheese blend combining mozzarella, cream cheese, aromatic parsley, fragrant basil, and minced garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
4. Generously fill the butterfly-cut chicken breasts with the creamy herbal mixture, using toothpicks to securely seal the filling within the meat.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, carefully searing the stuffed chicken breasts until a beautiful golden crust develops on each side, approximately 2-3 minutes per surface.
6. Gently transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, allowing the oven to complete the cooking process, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe and succulent state over 20-25 minutes.
7. Allow the chicken to rest and settle for a brief 5-minute interval, permitting juices to redistribute and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Prevent cheese leakage by ensuring the chicken is tightly sealed with toothpicks and avoiding overstuffing.
• Swap mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangy alternative that works perfectly for those seeking different flavor profiles.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella to create a lighter version of this dish without compromising taste.
• Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer for safe and perfectly cooked protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 42g
• Cholesterol: 120mg