Stuffed Chicken Breast – Juicy, Flavorful & Easy to Make
When you want to elevate your dinner table without hours in the kitchen, stuffed chicken breast is the perfect choice. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a rich and flavorful stuffing—usually a combination of cheese, herbs, veggies, or even bacon—and baked to juicy perfection. This dish is a restaurant-worthy recipe you can easily make at home, whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prep, or a romantic date night.
The best part? It’s versatile. From classic spinach and cream cheese fillings to sun-dried tomato and mozzarella, the options are endless. Let’s dive into a step-by-step guide that ensures every bite is juicy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for sealing)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Preheat Oven – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Filling – In a medium bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, and ½ tsp salt until creamy.
- Butterfly the Chicken – Carefully cut a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- Stuff the Chicken – Fill each pocket with 2–3 tablespoons of the spinach-cheese mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
- Season the Outside – Rub chicken with olive oil, then sprinkle paprika, black pepper, and remaining salt evenly over the surface.
- Sear for Flavor (Optional but Recommended) – In an oven-safe skillet, sear chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side to lock in juices.
- Bake – Transfer to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest & Serve – Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Serving Size: 4 servings
Tips & Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Try feta, goat cheese, or cheddar instead of mozzarella.
- Veggie Fillings: Mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes add depth of flavor.
- Meaty Upgrade: Add cooked crumbled bacon or prosciutto for smoky richness.
- Crispy Finish: Coat chicken in panko breadcrumbs before baking for extra crunch.
- Grilled Option: Instead of baking, grill over medium heat for a smoky summer version.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Oil: Use non-stick spray instead of olive oil.
- Gluten-Free: Recipe is naturally gluten-free—just avoid breaded coatings.
- Keto-Friendly: Perfect for keto diets with high protein and low carbs. Use full-fat cream cheese.
- Low-Fat: Use light cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
- Dairy-Free: Swap cheese with dairy-free alternatives like cashew cream or vegan cheese.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed chicken breast pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad. For a lighter meal, serve it with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Elegant enough for dinner parties yet simple enough for weeknight meals, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make stuffed chicken breast ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the stuffed chicken, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready.
Q2: How do I keep the chicken breast from drying out?
Don’t overcook. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q3: Can I freeze stuffed chicken breast?
Yes, you can freeze before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight before cooking.
Q4: What’s the best way to cut a pocket in the chicken breast?
Lay the chicken flat, place one hand on top, and slice horizontally with a sharp knife, stopping just before the edge.
Q5: What can I serve with stuffed chicken breast?
Classic sides include roasted potatoes, garlic bread, green beans, asparagus, or even pasta.
