Bushra Griffith
Stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile dish that can be customised with a variety of fillings and ingredients. While there are many options to choose from, the best cheese for stuffed chicken depends on the desired flavour and texture. Mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese are popular choices due to their creamy texture and flavour. Other cheeses such as cheddar, provolone, Gouda, feta, and Swiss cheese can also be used to add variety and uniqueness to the dish. The key is to use shredded or grated cheese, as it melts better and enhances the flavour of the dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Feta, Cheddar, Provolone, Gouda, Swiss, Ricotta |
| Other ingredients | Spinach, Garlic, Butter, Olive Oil, Breadcrumbs, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Onion, Herbs |
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 20-25 minutes in the oven, 12 minutes in the air fryer, or 5-7 minutes per side on the stovetop |
| Internal temperature | 165°F |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days |
| Freezing | Place in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach
To make this dish, you'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can use super thin chicken breasts, but you'll need to slice them in half to stuff them. If your chicken breasts are on the thicker side, you can tenderize them with a meat mallet to make them easier to cook and ensure even cooking.
For the filling, you'll need frozen spinach, onion, and garlic. Start by thawing and squeezing the excess liquid out of the spinach. Grate the onion to add flavor without chunks, and mince the garlic for a flavorful punch. Mix these ingredients with cream cheese and mozzarella, salt, and pepper. You can also add herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano to the filling for extra flavor.
Next, cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want to create a pocket to hold the filling. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then stuff each pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening and ensure the filling stays inside.
Now it's time to bread the chicken. Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix flour with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk some eggs. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture.
Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. Place the breaded chicken in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Your mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach-stuffed chicken is now ready to be served! It's a delicious and impressive dish that's sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Enjoy!
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Cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach
To make this, you will need:
- Cream cheese (4 oz of block-style cream cheese)
- Mozzarella (shredded or fresh)
- Spinach (2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped, or a 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach)
- Chicken breasts (3 large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or about 6 oz each, totaling 1 3/4 to 2 lbs)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Optional ingredients include:
- Mayonnaise, to make the filling extra creamy
- Garlic, for a flavorful punch
- Paprika, for seasoning and a nice browned crust
- Parmesan, for seasoning and a browned crust
First, make the filling by mixing the cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach together until well combined. You can also add salt and pepper to taste. If you want to include garlic, mince or grate it and add it to the mixture. Next, cut slits in the chicken breasts, about 3/4 of the way through, and stuff each breast with the filling. Seal the chicken with toothpicks.
Now, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken for about 4-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375-425˚F for about 10-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken. The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Your cream cheese, mozzarella, and spinach stuffed chicken is now ready to be served! This dish is juicy, tasty, and sure to be a hit with both adults and kids. Enjoy!
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Feta, Parmesan, and spinach
To make this recipe, you will need boneless and skinless chicken breasts. If you are using larger breasts, you can use a meat tenderizer to flatten them out. You will also need frozen spinach, which should be thawed and squeezed dry, and Parmesan and feta cheeses. You can also add other types of cheese, such as mozzarella, cream cheese, or ricotta, for extra creaminess and flavor.
To prepare the chicken, cut a pocket in each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. In a small bowl, combine the spinach, cheeses, and any additional ingredients, such as garlic, onion, or herbs. Stuff the mixture into the pockets of the chicken breasts, and secure them with toothpicks if needed.
To cook the chicken, preheat your oven to 375°F-400°F. Place the stuffed chicken in a greased baking dish and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
This recipe is not only tasty but also impressive and can be easily customized to your liking. It is a great option for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal that your family and guests will surely enjoy.
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Preventing cheese from melting out
When making cheese-stuffed chicken, there are several ways to prevent the cheese from melting out. Firstly, it is important not to overstuff the chicken. Use just under 1/2 cup of filling per chicken breast. If your chicken breasts are under 6 oz, use a little less filling and bake for a shorter amount of time.
To secure the filling, you can use toothpicks. Soak the toothpicks in water for 30-60 minutes before grilling, then use them to sew the chicken breast closed. You can also try breading the chicken by dipping it in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs to encase it fully.
Another method is to cut the cheese into blocks and freeze them before stuffing the chicken. This way, by the time the chicken reaches its final temperature, the cheese will only be starting to melt.
Additionally, ensure that you create a proper seal in the chicken by slicing a pocket into the chicken breast without cutting all the way through. You can also try tenderizing the chicken with a meat malet to make it thinner and easier to seal.
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Customising the cheese and fillings
When it comes to customising the cheese and fillings for stuffed chicken, the possibilities are endless. Here are some tips and suggestions to get you started:
Cheese Selection
The type of cheese you choose will significantly impact the flavour and texture of your stuffed chicken. It is recommended to use shredded or grated cheese, as it melts better and improves the taste. Here are some popular options:
- Mozzarella: This cheese melts well and pairs nicely with other ingredients.
- Parmesan: Parmesan adds a nutty, savoury flavour to the dish.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese provides a creamy texture and serves as a base for other cheeses.
- Feta: Feta cheese, especially softer varieties like Greek or Danish feta, adds a tangy, salty flavour.
- Cheddar, Provolone, or Gouda: These semi-soft cheeses can be used in place of mozzarella for a different flavour profile.
- Swiss: Swiss cheese is another excellent option for a melty, tasty filling.
Fillings and Add-Ins
In addition to cheese, you can include various fillings and add-ins to enhance the flavour and make the dish more substantial:
- Spinach: Frozen or fresh spinach, well-drained and combined with cheese, adds flavour and nutrition.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a burst of flavour and colour to the filling.
- Garlic: Minced or grated garlic adds a pungent kick to the dish.
- Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs, such as Italian seasoning, enhance the flavour profile.
- Bacon: Including bacon bits adds a decadent, savoury touch to the stuffing.
- Vegetables: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or other vegetables can be mixed into the filling.
Customisation Tips
- Balance the Flavours: Ensure that the flavours of the cheese and fillings complement each other. You don't want any single ingredient to overpower the others.
- Don't Overstuff: Avoid overstuffing the chicken breasts, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken closed and prevent the filling from escaping while cooking.
- Customise to Your Taste: Feel free to experiment with different cheese and filling combinations to create a dish that suits your unique taste preferences.
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Frequently asked questions
There are endless options for stuffed chicken recipes, but here is one: mix cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, onion, and garlic together until well combined. Cut a pocket into a chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and stuff the chicken breast with the filling. Secure with toothpicks.
There are endless options for cheese blends, but a popular option is a blend of mozzarella, parmesan, and cream cheese.
A good temperature to cook stuffed chicken in the oven is 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Stuffed chicken pairs well with potato side dishes, roasted vegetables, or a salad.
To keep the cheese from melting out of the chicken, secure the chicken breasts closed with toothpicks. You can also try not to overstuff the chicken.
