Baking Cheesy Chicken: The Perfect 400° Oven Temperature

Chicken is a versatile meat that can be grilled, baked, fried, or sautéed. One delicious way to prepare chicken is to stuff it with cheese and other ingredients and bake it in the oven. But how long should you bake a cheese-stuffed chicken at 400 degrees? Well, it depends on the size of your chicken breasts, but a good rule of thumb is to bake them for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. So, if you're looking for a tasty and easy weeknight dinner, why not try baking some cheese-stuffed chicken?

Chicken prep: slice a pocket into each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through

To stuff a chicken breast, you'll need to cut a pocket into the meat to hold the filling. This pocket should be deep and wide enough to fit your filling, but not so large that the filling falls out during cooking. To get started, place one hand on top of the chicken breast to keep it steady. Then, carefully insert a sharp knife into the thickest part of the breast.

It's important to be cautious and gentle during this step to avoid cutting through the breast or making the hole too large. A slit of around 3 inches (or 5 cm) is a good size to aim for. Use your fingers to widen the pocket if needed, being careful not to tear the chicken meat. You want to cut around three-quarters of the way through the breast, creating a pocket that holds your filling without cutting all the way through.

If you're looking for an alternative to this traditional method, you could try the Hasselback technique. This involves cutting crosswise, shallow cuts in the opposite direction of lengthwise, into the chicken, and then pressing your chosen filling inside each pocket.

Chicken seasoning: season with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chilli powder

Seasoning chicken is a great way to add flavour to your dish. Here are some tips on how to season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chilli powder.

First, you'll want to pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken. Then, using a sharp paring knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.

Next, it's time to make the seasoning. Combine salt, pepper, paprika, cumin, and chilli powder in a small bowl and mix well. You can adjust the amounts of each spice to your taste preferences. Add a pinch of garlic powder for an extra kick of flavour.

Now, it's time to stuff and season the chicken. Take your prepared stuffing (a creamy blend of cheese, spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes is a delicious option) and fill each pocket. Use toothpicks to secure the stuffing inside if needed. Then, sprinkle the seasoning mixture generously over the chicken, making sure to cover all sides.

Finally, bake the chicken in the oven as per your chosen recipe's instructions. Enjoy your delicious, seasoned chicken!

Filling prep: combine cheese, spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes

To make a filling with cheese, spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, you'll need a few ingredients and a few simple steps. Here's a guide to help you get started:

Ingredients:

• Cheese: You can use a combination of cheeses such as cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, feta, or goat cheese.
• Spinach: Fresh baby spinach is recommended, as frozen spinach can absorb freezer smells and have a lot of stems.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Look for sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil or vacuum-packed. You can also make your own by chopping them up and soaking them in a jar with herbs, olive oil, and garlic.
• Herbs: You can use a variety of dried herbs such as basil, oregano, parsley, or thyme. You can also use fresh herbs like basil leaves.
• Other ingredients: You may also want to add ingredients like garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste.

Instructions:

• Prepare the spinach: Wash and roughly chop the fresh spinach. If you're using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water.
• Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. You can also add other ingredients like garlic or red pepper flakes to taste. Use your hands to massage the ingredients until they are well combined and form a thick paste.
• Stuff the chicken: Cut a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the pockets with the filling, using toothpicks to secure the filling inside if needed.
• Season and cook the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. You can then cook the chicken in an oven, skillet, or air fryer until it is cooked through. The cooking time will depend on the method you choose and the size of your chicken breasts.

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and add your own twist to create a filling that suits your taste preferences!

Cooking method: bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or fry and then finish in the oven

How to Bake Chicken Stuffed with Cheese at 400°F for 20-30 Minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained/chopped
• 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/3 cup Parmesan, grated
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Cooking method: Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes

• Preheat the oven to 400°F.
• In a large skillet, heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the spinach and garlic and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Let it cool.
• In a separate bowl, combine the remaining filling ingredients: sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, basil, oregano, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir the cooled spinach and garlic into the filling mixture.
• Pat the chicken breasts dry and use a sharp knife to create a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the other side.
• Stuff each chicken breast with the filling.
• Sprinkle the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden.
• Transfer the chicken to a baking dish.
• Bake at 400°F for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
• Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Alternative method: Fry and then finish in the oven

• Follow steps 1-7 from the previous method.
• In a large skillet, heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170°F.

Serving suggestions: pair with roasted ranch potatoes, mashed sweet potatoes, or grilled asparagus

Roasted Ranch Potatoes

This comforting, easy, and delicious side dish is the perfect pairing for your cheese-stuffed chicken. Here's a recipe for roasted ranch potatoes:

Ingredients:

• Small red potatoes, quartered (2 pounds)
• Vegetable oil (1/4 cup)
• Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Seasoning, Dressing & Dip Mix Shaker (2 teaspoons)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 450°F.
• Place the potatoes in a 1-gallon-size zipper bag, add oil, and seal the bag. Toss to coat the potatoes evenly.
• Add the seasoning mix and toss again until the potatoes are coated.
• Spread the potatoes on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until they are brown and crisp.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Sweet and creamy mashed sweet potatoes are a delightful contrast to the savoury cheese-stuffed chicken. Here's a recipe for mashed sweet potatoes:

Ingredients:

• Sweet potatoes (6 medium, peeled and cubed)
• Warm milk (3/4 cup, or as needed; whole or 2% milk, or a plant-based alternative)
• Butter (1/2 cup, softened and cut into chunks)
• Maple syrup (3/4 cup, or to taste)

Instructions:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the sweet potatoes, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer until tender (about 20 to 30 minutes).
• Drain the potatoes and transfer them to a bowl.
• Mash the potatoes with a potato masher, gradually adding the warm milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Stir in the butter and maple syrup until well blended and melted.
• Serve warm as a delicious side dish.

Grilled Asparagus

If you're looking for a healthy, tasty vegetable side dish, grilled asparagus is a great option. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

• Asparagus (1 pound, choose thick spears)
• Extra virgin olive oil (1 tablespoon)
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon)
• Freshly ground black pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 350° to 400°F, and brush the grill grates clean.
• Prepare the asparagus by snapping off the woody ends or cutting them with a knife.
• Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and toss to coat. Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then toss again.
• Place the asparagus perpendicular to the bars on the grill grates. Close the lid and grill for 6 to 10 minutes, or until tender and crisp.
• Use tongs to roll the spears for even grill marks.
• Transfer to a platter and serve warm or at room temperature, with a squeeze of lemon if desired.

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