Andy Montoya
Chicken is a versatile meat with endless applications. A delicious way to elevate the humble chicken breast is to stuff it with cheese. This juicy and tasty dish is surprisingly easy to prepare and can be customised with different fillings. The key to making great stuffed chicken breasts is to use even-sized pieces so they finish baking at the same time. The chicken breasts should be stuffed with cheese and other ingredients such as spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, and then cooked in a skillet or oven. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be served with roasted garlic ranch potatoes and skinny baked breaded cauliflower.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 20 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 375°F |
| Filling | Cheese, spinach, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic |
| Chicken | Boneless, skinless, 3 large breasts |
| Seasoning | Salt, pepper, paprika, Italian seasoning |
| Coating | Flour, egg, breadcrumbs |
| Cooking method | Sear in skillet, then bake in oven |
| Resting time | 3-5 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Mashed or roasted potatoes, roasted vegetables |
| Storage | Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days |
| Freezing | Place in a shallow container and freeze for up to 2 months |
| Reheating | Cover and reheat in pan or oven (not microwave) |
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What You'll Learn
- Chicken prep: Flatten, season, and stuff the chicken breasts
- Filling options: Mix cheese with spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
- Seal and secure: Use toothpicks to hold the filling in place
- Pan-frying: Sear chicken in a skillet, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes
- Oven-baking: Bake at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until 165°F
Chicken prep: Flatten, season, and stuff the chicken breasts
To prepare your chicken breasts, start by laying them on a flat surface. Using a chef's knife, carefully cut a pocket or slit about three-quarters of the way through each breast. Be sure not to cut all the way through. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can use a meat mallet to gently pound and flatten them slightly before cutting. This tenderizing step will also make the meat more tender.
Now it's time to season the chicken. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the chicken. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or dried herbs such as basil or oregano. Don't be afraid to season generously, as this will enhance the flavour of your dish.
The next step is stuffing the chicken breasts. For a classic cheese filling, mix together cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh spinach. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, or even a little bacon. Make sure the filling is well combined, then stuff each chicken breast with an appropriate amount of filling, usually about a quarter to a third of the total mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the filling inside the chicken breasts and prevent it from falling out during cooking.
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Filling options: Mix cheese with spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes
There are many different ways to make cheese-stuffed chicken breasts in the oven. Here is a guide to making a delicious, creamy, and flavourful chicken dish with a focus on filling options that mix cheese with spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Firstly, you will need to prepare your chicken breasts. It is recommended to use even-sized pieces of chicken so that they finish baking at the same time. You will need to cut a pocket or slit into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through. If your chicken breasts are very thick, you can tenderize them with a meat mallet to thin them out and make them more tender.
Now, it's time to prepare the filling. For a blend of cheese, spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes, you can mix together cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh spinach. You can also add in mayonnaise and garlic for extra flavour. If you want to add herbs, consider chopped parsley, oregano, or dried herbs like basil. You can even add sun-dried tomatoes to this mixture for an extra flavour boost. You can also try other types of cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or provolone.
Once your filling is ready, stuff each chicken breast with an appropriate amount of filling. A good rule of thumb is to use just under 1/2 cup of filling per chicken breast, but make sure not to overstuff the chicken. Secure the filling inside the chicken breast using toothpicks, which will help keep the filling intact during cooking.
Finally, it's time to cook your cheese-stuffed chicken breasts. You can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown, which adds flavour and colour to your dish. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 350-375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest point.
Your creamy and flavourful cheese-stuffed chicken breasts with spinach, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes are now ready to be served!
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Seal and secure: Use toothpicks to hold the filling in place
Securing your stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks is a crucial step in the cooking process. Toothpicks ensure that the cheese filling stays in place and doesn't melt out while cooking. This is especially important if you are using a creamy cheese filling, as the toothpicks will help maintain the shape of the chicken breast and prevent the cheese from oozing out.
To begin, cut a slit in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a pocket or opening to stuff the cheese filling into. Once you have generously stuffed the chicken breasts, use the toothpicks to seal the openings shut. Insert the toothpicks horizontally through the chicken, making sure they are secure and the filling is contained. This step is essential to achieving the desired presentation and ensuring even cooking.
The number of toothpicks you'll need depends on the size of the chicken breasts and the amount of filling. Generally, one to two toothpicks per chicken breast should be sufficient. It is important to distribute the toothpicks evenly to hold the filling in place effectively. If you are unsure, it is better to use more toothpicks to ensure the filling stays contained.
After cooking, remember to remove the toothpicks before serving. You can easily pull them out by hand or use kitchen tongs if they are too hot. Be sure to inform your guests that the dish was secured with toothpicks to avoid any accidental ingestion.
While toothpicks are the most common method for securing stuffed chicken breasts, you can also use kitchen twine. Simply tie the stuffed chicken breast with a piece of twine to hold the filling in place. This method may be preferable if you are concerned about the toothpicks breaking or losing their shape during cooking.
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Pan-frying: Sear chicken in a skillet, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes
To cook cheese-stuffed chicken breasts in the oven, you'll first need to prepare the filling. Mix cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, onion, and garlic together until well combined. You can also add herbs like chopped parsley or oregano, or spices like paprika or crushed red pepper.
Next, cut a pocket in each chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Stuff the chicken breasts with the filling, using just under 1/2 cup of filling per breast. Secure the filling with toothpicks.
Now, you're ready to start cooking. For this step, you'll need a cast-iron skillet and some oil. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet. Place the chicken in the hot skillet and cook, undisturbed, for 5-7 minutes. If you try to turn the chicken and it feels stuck, it's not ready to flip. After 5-7 minutes, use a spatula to flip the breasts over and add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the center of the pan. Swirl the pan gently to distribute the melting butter.
Cook the chicken for another 5-7 minutes, or until the breasts reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate or cutting board and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing and serving.
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Oven-baking: Bake at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until 165°F
Oven-baking is a great way to ensure your cheese-stuffed chicken breast is cooked to perfection. Here is a detailed guide to help you achieve the best results:
Firstly, preheat your oven to 375°F. While the oven is heating up, you can prepare your chicken. Start by stuffing the chicken breasts with your chosen filling. It is recommended to use just under 1/2 cup of filling per breast, and you can secure the filling with toothpicks if needed. For a creamy and indulgent filling, try a blend of cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh spinach. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, or herbs for extra flavour.
Once your chicken breasts are stuffed, it's time to cook them. Place them in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until golden brown, which should take around 3-4 minutes per side. If you don't have a skillet, you can use a baking pan. After searing, transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 17-20 minutes. The exact baking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken breasts, so it's important to keep an eye on them.
The key to ensuring your cheese-stuffed chicken breast is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F at the thickest point. This should take around 17-20 minutes in the oven, but the exact time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts.
Once your chicken has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender chicken breast.
With these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked cheese-stuffed chicken breast. It's a versatile dish that can be customised with different fillings and served with a variety of sides, making it a great option for a quick and elegant weeknight dinner.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken breasts, toothpicks, and a filling of your choice. A popular filling is a mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, onion, and garlic. You can also add herbs and sun-dried tomatoes.
First, make a pocket in each chicken breast and stuff it with the filling. Secure the chicken breasts with toothpicks. Then, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown. Finally, transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Cheese-stuffed chicken breast can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Yes, you can freeze cheese-stuffed chicken breast. Place the cooled and cooked chicken in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
