Frederic Melton
Cheese-stuffed chicken breast is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides to elevate your meal. This juicy, flavorful dish is easy to prepare and can be customized with different fillings and sides to suit your taste. Whether you're looking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, this recipe is a sure hit with endless options to choose from.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | 10 minutes |
| Cooking time | 17-20 minutes |
| Oven temperature | 375° |
| Filling | Cheese, spinach, garlic, herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, feta, cream cheese, ricotta, cheddar, parmesan, mozzarella, onion, provolone, gouda, Italian seasoning, paprika |
| Coating | Breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs |
| Accompaniments | Mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, smashed potatoes, baked chicken thighs, pasta, salad |
| Storage | Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Can be frozen for up to 2 months |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken prep and cooking tips
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Here are some tips for preparing and cooking chicken, specifically for cheese-stuffed chicken breasts.
When preparing chicken breasts for stuffing, it is important to consider the thickness of the meat. If the breasts are very thick, you can use a meat mallet to tenderize and flatten them slightly, making the meat more tender and easier to stuff. You can also fold open the chicken breast and use cling wrap to flatten it.
For the cheese stuffing, it is recommended to shred or grate the cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as it will melt better and taste creamier. You can use a variety of cheeses such as mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, ricotta, or feta, and add-ins like spinach, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Mix the cheese and fillings in a small bowl, and then stuff each chicken breast with the desired amount of filling. Use toothpicks to secure the openings and prevent the cheese from melting out during cooking.
When cooking the stuffed chicken breasts, start by seasoning the meat with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the chicken breasts in the hot oil, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step adds flavour and locks in juices. If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the chicken to a baking dish. Bake the chicken at 375°F for 17-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part reaches 165°F.
Let the cooked chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. You can serve cheese-stuffed chicken breasts with mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables, such as green beans.
Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, it is recommended to use a pan on the stovetop or an oven to prevent the chicken from drying out.
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Cheese and other filling options
Cheese and chicken is a classic combination, but you can get creative with the type of cheese you use to stuff your chicken breasts. Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, ricotta, provolone, gouda, and feta are all popular options. For the best results, grate or shred the cheese yourself, as it will melt better and improve the taste of your dish. You can also mix in some cream cheese to help bind the filling together.
In addition to cheese, there are plenty of other ingredients you can use to stuff a chicken breast. Spinach is a common choice, and you can also add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, or onions. If you're feeling indulgent, try adding some bacon to your filling. For a vegetarian option, you could stuff your chicken breasts with grapes and hazelnuts.
When preparing your chicken breasts, you may need to tenderize them with a meat mallet to make them thinner and more even. This will also make the meat more tender. You can then cut a pocket into each breast and stuff the filling inside. Just be careful not to overstuff, as the cheese may melt out during cooking. Toothpicks can help keep the filling intact, but remember to remove them before serving.
With so many filling options to choose from, you can easily customize your cheese-stuffed chicken breasts to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you're looking for a simple weeknight meal or an impressive dish to serve to guests, this versatile recipe is sure to be a hit.
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Side dishes and accompaniments
When it comes to side dishes and accompaniments for cheese-stuffed chicken breast, there are several options to choose from. Here are some ideas:
Mashed or Smashed Potatoes
Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with the chicken. You can make them creamy and smooth, adding butter, milk, and seasoning to taste. Smashed potatoes, on the other hand, offer a more rustic and chunky texture, with the skins left on for added flavour and bite.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colourful accompaniment to the dish. Options such as roasted green beans, asparagus, carrots, or a mix of Mediterranean vegetables like peppers, aubergine, and courgettes, can be delicious. Drizzle them with olive oil, season well, and roast them in a hot oven until tender and slightly charred.
Salad
A fresh and crisp salad can also be a great side dish to balance out the richness of the cheese-stuffed chicken breast. Opt for a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or go for a more substantial salad with grains, roasted vegetables, and a variety of greens.
Pasta
Pasta is another option to consider as a side dish. A simple pasta salad or a warm pasta dish with a light sauce can complement the flavours of the chicken without overwhelming them. Avoid heavy cream-based sauces, as they may compete with the cheese in the chicken.
Bread
A crusty loaf of bread, such as a baguette or a rustic sourdough, can be a wonderful addition to the meal. It can be used to soak up any juices or sauces and is perfect for mopping up any remaining cheese filling on the plate.
Sauces and Dips
Consider serving the cheese-stuffed chicken breast with a dipping sauce or a condiment on the side. Options such as salsa, garlic aioli, or a creamy herb dip can enhance the flavours of the dish.
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Storage and reheating instructions
Storage Instructions:
- Allow the cooked stuffed chicken breast to cool down to room temperature.
- Place the leftover chicken in an airtight container. Ensure that the container is sealed properly to prevent odour transfer and maintain freshness.
- Refrigerate the stuffed chicken for up to 3 to 4 days. It is recommended to consume the dish within 2 days for optimal freshness, but it can be safely stored for a couple of extra days.
- For extended storage, freezing is an option. Place the cooled, cooked chicken in a shallow container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- For best results, it is recommended to reheat the stuffed chicken breast in an oven or stovetop. Avoid microwaving as it tends to dry out the chicken and the filling.
- When using an oven, wrap the chicken loosely in foil and bake at 325°F for around 15 minutes, depending on the size of the portion.
- Before baking, it is ideal to let the frozen chicken thaw at room temperature for about 15 minutes.
- Adding a few teaspoons of water to the foil before baking can help keep the chicken moist and juicy.
- If using a stovetop, reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Please note that these instructions are general guidelines, and slight variations may exist depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used. Always ensure your food is properly stored and reheated to maintain food safety and quality.
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Variations and customisation ideas
Cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile dish that can be customised in numerous ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheese: While mozzarella, parmesan, and cheddar are popular choices for stuffed chicken breasts, you can get creative and experiment with different cheeses such as ricotta, gouda, provolone, or even goat cheese. Using a combination of cheeses, such as parmesan and mozzarella, can also add depth of flavour. For the best results, grate or shred the cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as it will melt better and enhance the taste.
Fillings: The possibilities for fillings are endless. Spinach is a common choice, often paired with cheese, and can be fresh or frozen. You can also add herbs like parsley, oregano, or basil, or spice it up with crushed red pepper or paprika. Sun-dried tomatoes, onions, and garlic are other popular additions that complement the cheese and add flavour. If you're feeling indulgent, you can swap out some of the spinach for chopped cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
Coating: For a crunchy exterior, coat the stuffed chicken breasts with breadcrumbs before baking. You can use plain breadcrumbs or season them with Italian dressing mix, herbs, or spices. Panko breadcrumbs are a great option for an extra crispy texture.
Sides: Cheese-stuffed chicken breasts go well with a variety of side dishes. Mashed or smashed potatoes are a popular choice, as are roasted vegetables like green beans. You can also serve it with a pasta dish or a fresh salad for a lighter option.
Cooking method: While baking is a common method for cooking stuffed chicken breasts, you can also try searing the chicken in a skillet first to get a golden brown colour and flavourful exterior. Then, transfer the chicken to a baking dish to finish cooking in the oven. This two-step process adds a delicious sear to the chicken while ensuring it cooks evenly throughout.
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Frequently asked questions
Mashed or smashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and pasta are some side dishes that go well with cheese-stuffed chicken breast.
Mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar, gouda, provolone, ricotta, feta, and cream cheese are some of the cheeses that go well with chicken.
Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, bacon, and garlic are some of the ingredients that can be used to stuff chicken breasts.
It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 17-20 minutes to bake cheese-stuffed chicken breast.
