Juicy Stuffed Chicken Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Family Favorite

Crispy golden breading transforms this stuffed chicken recipe into a mouthwatering culinary adventure.

Tender chicken breasts become delectable vessels for surprising flavor combinations.

Layers of cheese, herbs, and unexpected ingredients peek through each carefully crafted slice.

Home cooks eager to impress can master this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Mediterranean-inspired spices and techniques elevate the meal beyond basic weeknight dinners.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of textures and tastes.

Reasons To Crave Stuffed Chicken Recipe Again And Again

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep and cook time makes this stuffed chicken a lifesaver for busy families needing delicious meals fast.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Spinach-packed filling delivers protein, vitamins, and calcium while keeping the dish light and healthy for health-conscious eaters.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Professional-style technique of butterflying and stuffing chicken transforms an ordinary protein into an impressive, gourmet-style meal that looks complicated but is surprisingly simple to execute.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different cheese or vegetable combinations, perfect for pleasing picky eaters and adapting to dietary preferences without compromising taste.

Stuffed Chicken Cooking Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the main structure of the dish, best when boneless and skinless for easy stuffing.
• Garlic: Adds rich, aromatic flavor to the chicken, enhances overall taste profile.

• Spinach, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a creamy, flavorful filling with balanced nutrition, fresh spinach provides better texture than frozen.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the dish's overall flavor, choose high-quality sea salt or kosher salt for best results.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking, adds subtle richness, extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Cooking Method

Step 1: Butterfly The Chicken Breasts

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, keeping one side attached so it opens like a book.

This technique helps the chicken cook evenly and creates a perfect pocket for stuffing.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Spinach Filling

• Fresh spinach leaves (chopped)
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Minced garlic

Mix all ingredients until well blended and the cheese helps hold the spinach together.

Step 3: Stuff And Secure The Chicken

Generously spread the spinach mixture inside each butterflied chicken breast.

Fold the top half over the filling and use toothpicks to seal the edges, preventing the stuffing from falling out during cooking.

Step 4: Season The Chicken

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper evenly across both sides, ensuring the seasoning covers the entire surface for maximum flavor.

Step 5: Sear The Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.

Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, which helps lock in the juices.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish.

Place in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for 20-25 minutes.

The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks carefully.

Slice the chicken breasts and plate them.

The melted cheese and tender spinach will create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal.

What To Know When Preparing Flavor-Packed Stuffed Chicken

• Chill the spinach mixture for 15 minutes before stuffing to help it stay inside the chicken during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption, avoiding dry meat.
• Swap spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, feta, or roasted bell peppers to create unique flavor profiles.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping meat tender and moist.
• Replace cheese with dairy-free options like nutritional yeast for those following ketogenic or dairy-free diets.

Stuffed Chicken: Save and Warm Later

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then place in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken in a baking dish with a splash of broth to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Heat in 30-second intervals, rotating and checking temperature to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture, stopping when chicken is evenly warmed through.

Stuffed Chicken Serving Ideas

• Pair with Rich White Wine: Chardonnay offers buttery notes that complement the creamy mozzarella and parmesan cheese inside the stuffed chicken, creating a luxurious flavor harmony.
• Serve Alongside Roasted Vegetables: Crispy roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts provide a perfect textural contrast and earthy balance to the rich, cheesy chicken dish.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the chicken's richness, adding brightness and refreshing the palate with its peppery undertones.
• Match with Herbal Garnish: Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top enhances the chicken's Mediterranean-inspired flavors and adds a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Stuffed Chicken Options to Try Tonight

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace breadcrumbs (if used) with almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Swap spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and chopped olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute cheese with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for keto and dairy-sensitive diets.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu, using the same stuffing and cooking method for a plant-based meal.

FAQs

• How do I butterfly a chicken breast?

Slice the chicken breast horizontally, keeping one side attached so it opens like a book. Use a sharp knife and hold the chicken steady with your other hand for even cutting.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before searing and baking.

• What if the chicken mixture falls out during cooking?

Use toothpicks to secure the edges and prevent the filling from spilling. Remove toothpicks before serving.

• Is there a way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?

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

Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

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

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts become a culinary masterpiece when stuffed with rich, melted cheese and savory herbs. Crispy golden exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful interior that promises a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup (59 ml) parmesan cheese (grated)

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup (237 ml) spinach (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary cooking tools for precise chicken preparation.
2. Carefully butterfly chicken breasts, creating a pocket for stuffing while maintaining an intact bottom edge.
3. Create a flavorful filling by combining fresh spinach leaves, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely chopped garlic into a cohesive mixture.
4. Generously stuff each chicken breast with the prepared spinach and cheese blend, ensuring even distribution throughout the pocket.
5. Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Season the exterior of the chicken with a balanced blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lightly coat with extra virgin olive oil.
7. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
8. Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
9. Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to redistribute internal juices.
10. Carefully remove toothpicks, slice the chicken diagonally, and plate for serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality spinach to enhance the filling’s flavor and nutrition.
• Use a sharp knife when butterflying chicken breasts to ensure even, clean cuts without tearing the meat.
• For a low-carb version, replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for similar richness.
• To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg