Here is a step by step guide on how to make Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast, right from the ingredients, preparation, cooking and serving.
Step by Step Recipe to Make Stuffed Chicken Breast Stuffed Chicken Breast is a classic recipe that always impresses everyone. Whether you are making it for guests or making it for weeknight dinner, it is sure to be a hit. It adds a unique texture to the recipe and a wonderful flavour.
You can use cheese, herbs and vegetables or whatever you like to get a juicy chicken breast stuffed with a delicious mixture. It pleases you in every way.
Now, let us learn step by step how to make professional-like Stuffed Chicken Breast at home.
Table of Contents
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cheese and Spinach. You can change the ingredients according to your taste or add whatever you like (like bacon, mushrooms or sun dried tomatoes)
Chicken Ingredients:
- Skinless chicken breasts, 4 boneless
- Olive oil for frying 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder 1 tsp
- Paprika for color and flavor 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients for stuffing:-
- Softened cream cheese ½
- Chopped fresh spinach 1
- Grated Parmesan cheese ¼
- Mozzarella cheese shredded ½
- Finely chopped garlic 2 cloves
- A pinch of pepper and salt
- (optional) Chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp
Step by step instructions:-
1. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
A. Cut the chicken breasts and clean them well. Always use a sharp knife to cut away any excess connective tissue so that the chicken breast can be sliced properly.
B. Butterfly the Chicken: Carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast. Now place the breast on a cutting board and lay it flat. Place your hand on top of it and cut about ¾ horizontally. Make sure not to overcrowd the breast and cut like a book.
C. Season well: Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, pepper and paprika on the inside and outside of the chicken breasts. Then set aside while you prepare the stuffing.
2. Prepare the Filling:
A. Sauté the Spinach (optional): When using fresh spinach, pan-fry it for 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat. This will wilt it and draw out the excess moisture.
B. Mixing the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the sautéed spinach, mozzarella, cream cheese, garlic, parmesan, parsley and a pinch of black pepper and salt. Mix well.
C. Use a 1 spoon spatula to get a creamy and well-mixed mixture.
3. Stuffing the Chicken:
A. Spoon the stuffing – Carefully fill each chicken pocket with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the cheese spinach mixture.
B. Securing the Chicken: If it is open, use a toothpick to close the opening to prevent spillage while cooking.
C. If you have added too much stuffing or any stuffing has spilled out, clean the edges with paper towels.
4. How to Cook the Chicken:
Pour olive oil into a large pan as per your requirement and heat it on medium to high flame.
Cook all the chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Be careful not to cook them through, just to get a delicious crust.
Baking dish: When it’s browned, lightly grease the chicken, then place in a baking dish or cast iron skillet.
5. How to Bake the Chicken:
Preheat the oven to 375° F (190° C).
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165° F (75° C). To determine doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.
Letting the Chicken Rest: After removing from the oven and before serving, let the stuffed breasts rest for 6 to 7 minutes to allow the juices to set and the chicken to be moist.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Stuffed chicken breasts can be served as a side dish and also pair well with a variety of other accompaniments, making them a popular dish.
Here are some popular favorites:
- With steamed green beans, asparagus or roasted vegetables
- With buttered noodles or rice pilaf
- With mashed potatoes or garlic smashed cauliflower
- With Caesar salad or a simple garden salad with balsamic vinaigrette gratin.
Use herbs like parsley or thyme to garnish and you will have a restaurant-like dinner at home.
Tricks to know and tips for success:
Stuffing the chicken:
Stuffing is kind of nice and tempting but fill as much as possible as overfilling makes it difficult to seal and does not cook evenly.
Use of toothpick:
It is used to avoid spillage and keep the pocket closed and do not forget to remove it when serving.
Use of meat thermometer:
This thermometer is very useful for you to check whether your chicken is cooked or not, check whether its internal temperature is 165 degree Fahrenheit or not.
Make in advance:-
Stuff the chicken breast with stuffing anytime during the day and keep it in the fridge and add 5 more minutes till baking, take it out when you want to cook it.
Variations: –
Here are some delicious stuffing ideas to try something new –
For Bacon and Cheddar Stuffed Chicken:
Stuff with crispy sliced bacon, shredded cheddar then green onions.
Pesto Mozzarella Chicken:
If you want to get an Italian twist then add a tablespoon of basil pesto and slices of mozzarella.
Mushroom and Swiss:
First saute the mushrooms and onions then mix with Swiss cheese which gives it a nice and earthy taste.
Artichokes Dip Style and Spinach:
If you want to have a different flavour then use chopped artichokes, spinach and creamy cheese to get a creamy delicious filling.
All dinner menus can make this a meal:
If you are planning a three course meal with stuffed chicken, here are some great ideas to serve:
Starter:
A classic Caesar salad with shaved parmesan and garlic croutons
Main course:
- Spinach and cheese stuffed chicken breast
- Massed potatoes roasted with garlic
- Steamed broccoli with lemon butter
Dessert:
The classic chocolate chip cookies or warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream.
These were some recipes that you will surely love. If you want to add something extra to it, you can use it to make it more delicious and make the side dish better.
Cleaning tips:
Soak the pan: Whenever cheese or filling is baked on the pan, soak it in hot soapy water for 12 to 15 minutes before cleaning it so that you can clean it easily.
To avoid contamination, disinfect any surface or layer touched by raw chicken.
Whenever serving, make sure to remove the toothpick carefully.
Nutrients:-
- 22 grams fat
- 38 grams protein
- 370 calories
- 1 gram fiber
- 4 grams carbs
Information:
Nutritional values vary depending on the ingredients used.
Final Tips Why You’ll Love This Recipe.
Stuffed chicken breast is versatile and surprisingly easy to make and satisfying. Once you get the hang of it, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes and cook it in under an hour. The quick recipe takes the wait away and makes for a favorite. It makes for a spectacular looking dish for a holiday dinner or party but is also delicious and simple enough to make on a weeknight.
This doesn’t have to be a weekend meal. If you’re craving a meal or are short on time, you can whip this up quickly.
Stick to the classic spinach and cheese combo and get creative with the filling. This dish is guaranteed to get a lot of compliments on the table. So let’s get started. Put on your aprons, preheat the oven, and then get to the stuffing.