As an avid home cook and passionate food blogger, I love sharing recipes that bring joy and flavor to your table. One such delightful recipe is Stuffed Chicken Breast, which has become a family favorite in my household. This dish combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy filling of cheeses, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a symphony of flavors that is hard to resist.
I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering a few years ago. We were celebrating my grandmother’s 80th birthday, and everyone brought a dish to share. My cousin, who is an incredible cook, arrived with these beautiful stuffed chicken breasts. They were an instant hit! The combination of creamy cheese, savory spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes stuffed into juicy chicken breasts was simply irresistible. Since then, I’ve made this dish countless times, each time tweaking it a little to suit our tastes.
One of the great things about this Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is its versatility. While the original recipe calls for cream cheese, feta cheese, and parmesan cheese, you can experiment with other types of cheese as well. Mozzarella, goat cheese, or even blue cheese can be wonderful substitutes depending on your preference. Additionally, if you’re a fan of extra greens, you can add more spinach or even throw in some kale for a different texture and flavor.
Another variation that I enjoy is incorporating different herbs and spices into the filling. Fresh basil or oregano can add a lovely aromatic note to the dish. For those who like a bit of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes in the filling can give it a nice kick. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes cooking so exciting!
This Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is not only delicious but also quite simple to prepare. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. The steps are straightforward, and the cooking time is minimal, making it a great option for busy evenings. Plus, the combination of flavors and textures is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
I hope you enjoy making and eating this Stuffed Chicken Breast as much as my family and I do. It’s a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Happy cooking!
Making the Stuffed Chicken Breast
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Ingredients
- 6 oz + 2 tbsp cream cheese
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes (in oil)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 4 small chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 cup chopped baby spinach
- 1 tbsp butter (for cooking)
Directions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season them with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika on the outside.
- In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, feta cheese, parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and sun dried tomatoes.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture and use toothpicks to secure them.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the butter, and wait until it’s melted and hot.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and brown them on all sides.
- Continue cooking until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Storing Suggestions:
Store any leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave on medium power until hot.
FAQs:
Can I use other types of cheese in the stuffing?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses. Mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese can be good substitutes or additions to the stuffing mixture.
Is it necessary to butterfly the chicken breasts?
Butterflying the chicken breasts is essential as it creates a pocket for the stuffing. This ensures even cooking and better flavor distribution.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the chicken is pierced.
Can I bake the stuffed chicken breasts instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What sides go well with stuffed chicken breasts?
Stuffed chicken breasts pair well with a variety of sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed rice.
Can I prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. This makes them a great option for meal prep or entertaining.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 small chicken breasts skinless and boneless
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 ounces cream cheese + 2 tablespoons
- 1/3 cup feta cheese
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach chopped
- 1/4 cup sun dried tomatoes packed in oil
- 1 tablespoon butter for cooking
Instructions
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season the outside with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, feta cheese, chopped baby spinach, and sun dried tomatoes.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese and spinach mixture. Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling in place.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the butter. Once the butter is melted and hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and brown on all sides.
- Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
