Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe: A Flavor-Packed Dinner Delight

Crispy and golden stuffed chicken breast promises a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Succulent meat wrapped around a flavorful filling creates pure magic on your plate.

Mediterranean herbs and carefully selected ingredients bring unexpected depth to this classic dish.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-worthy recipe with simple techniques.

Texture and taste combine perfectly in each carefully crafted bite.

Melted cheese and aromatic spices weave together a symphony of flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Let’s transform an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience that impresses everyone at the table.

Stuffed Chicken Breast That Surprises With Every Slice

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Swap ingredients like cheese, herbs, or bacon to match family preferences and dietary needs.
• Protein-Packed Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean chicken with nutrient-rich broccoli, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Simple Cooking Technique: Uses straightforward methods like steaming, searing, and baking to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

What’s Stuffed in Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base for the stuffed recipe, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
• Bacon: Adds rich, smoky flavor to the filling, thick-cut works best for more texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides tangy and creamy dimension to the stuffing.
• Cream Cheese: Smooth binder that helps hold the filling together and adds richness.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds texture and color to the filling.
• Bell Pepper: Provides sweet crunch and fresh taste to the stuffing.
• Parsley, Chives, Dill: Fresh herbs that enhance overall flavor profile with bright, aromatic notes.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken to create golden brown exterior.
• Chicken Broth: Keeps chicken moist during baking and adds subtle flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural taste of chicken.
• Additional Spices: Could include garlic powder, paprika, or other complementary spices for extra depth.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Prepare Broccoli

Grab a microwave-safe bowl and toss in the broccoli.

Splash in some water, cover with a damp paper towel, and zap in the microwave for a quick 2 minutes.

Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Create Cheesy Filling

• Shredded cheddar
• Cream cheese
• Chopped bell pepper
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh parsley
• Chopped chives
• Dried dill

Mix everything together with the steamed broccoli until well blended.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken

Place chicken breasts on a cutting board.

Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to even out the thickness using a meat mallet.

Step 4: Make Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice into the thicker side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket.

Be careful not to cut all the way through.

Step 5: Stuff the Chicken

Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared cheesy broccoli mixture.

Use toothpicks to seal if needed.

Step 6: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle a delicious spice rub evenly over both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts.

Step 7: Sear and Brown

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.

Drizzle with olive oil and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pour chicken broth into the pan, cover with foil, and slide into a preheated oven at 375°F.

Bake for 12-17 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 160°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to reach 165°F.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your stuffed chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted vegetables for a mouthwatering meal that’ll impress everyone at the table!

Stuffed Chicken Bake Timing Tips

• Use toothpicks to securely seal chicken breast pockets and keep delicious stuffing inside during cooking.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking, which helps juices redistribute and ensures each bite remains moist and tender.
• Select sharp cheddar for more robust flavor and better melting properties in the stuffing mixture.
• Always check internal chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked protein.
• Swap bacon for ham or turkey bacon to accommodate different dietary preferences or create exciting flavor variations.

Stuffed Chicken Breast That Keeps Its Filling

• Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between cycles. Add a splash of broth to maintain moisture and prevent rubbery texture.

Bright Sips With Stuffed Chicken

• Savor Wine Harmony: Crisp chardonnay or pinot grigio beautifully complements the creamy, cheesy chicken breast, cutting through the richness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Craft Beer Companion: Select a smooth amber ale or hoppy pale ale to match the bacon's smoky flavor and balance the dish's creamy texture with malty undertones.
• Fresh Veggie Sidekick: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest to provide a light, tangy contrast that enhances the stuffed chicken's hearty profile.
• Sauce Elevation: Drizzle a light herbed aioli or mustard sauce over the chicken to add zesty brightness and create an extra layer of complex flavor dimensions.

Stuffed Chicken Filling Ideas

• Vegetarian Stuffed Portobello: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms, stuffing with a mixture of quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap broccoli filling with cauliflower, using extra crispy bacon and full-fat cream cheese to create a high-fat, low-carb option that maintains rich flavor profiles.
• Mediterranean Chicken Variation: Modify filling with sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, fresh basil, and kalamata olives, seasoning with oregano and lemon zest for a Greek-inspired twist.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, jalapeños, green chiles, and cilantro into the filling, then coat chicken with chili powder and cumin for a zesty southwestern experience.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the stuffed chicken breast filling special?

The filling combines steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar, cream cheese, bell pepper, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill, creating a rich, flavorful mix that adds moisture and taste to the chicken.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays moist during cooking?

By searing the chicken first to lock in flavors, then baking it with chicken broth and covering with foil, you prevent the meat from drying out. Letting the chicken rest after cooking also helps retain its juiciness.

• Can I prepare the stuffed chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before cooking. This allows for easy meal prep and saves time on busy days.

• Why do I need to pound the chicken before stuffing?

Pounding the chicken creates an even thickness, which helps it cook more uniformly. It also makes it easier to create a pocket for the delicious filling, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Stuffed chicken breast brings Mediterranean magic to dinner tables with herbed goat cheese and sun-dried tomato fillings. Succulent chicken promises a flavor explosion that delights your palate and simplifies gourmet cooking.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 medium chicken breasts

Filling Ingredients:

• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly shredded sharp cheddar
• 5 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup cooked bacon, chopped

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to a moderate temperature of 375°F, ensuring an ideal cooking environment.
2. Transform broccoli into a tender component by placing it in a microwave-safe container with a minimal water quantity, covering with a damp cloth, and heating for two minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Craft a harmonious filling by combining shredded cheddar, cream cheese, diced bell pepper, crumbled bacon, and aromatic herbs including parsley, chives, and dill with the steamed broccoli. Integrate ingredients meticulously to create a cohesive mixture.
4. Prepare the chicken breasts by gently flattening them between plastic wrap, using a meat mallet to ensure uniform thickness and enhanced tenderness.
5. Carefully construct a pocket within each chicken breast by making a precise horizontal incision along the thicker side, taking care not to slice completely through the meat.
6. Generously distribute the prepared filling into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring an even allocation. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to prevent filling escape during cooking.
7. Develop a flavor-enhancing spice rub and apply it comprehensively across both surfaces of the stuffed chicken breasts, creating a robust seasoning layer.
8. Activate a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, introducing olive oil to create a golden-brown exterior by searing the chicken for approximately two to three minutes on each side.
9. Enhance moisture by adding chicken broth to the pan, then cover with aluminum foil and transfer to the preheated oven. Roast until the internal temperature reaches 160°F, allowing a brief resting period to culminate at 165°F.
10. Present the culinary creation alongside complementary accompaniments such as creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Choose lean chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots.
• Pat chicken dry before pounding to help spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor complexity and aromatic intensity.
• When stuffing chicken, avoid overfilling to prevent cheese leakage during cooking.
• Customize filling by swapping ingredients like using Swiss cheese instead of cheddar or turkey bacon for lighter option.
• Check internal temperature with meat thermometer for precise doneness and food safety.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to redistribute juices, keeping meat incredibly moist and tender.
• Prepare extra filling to serve as a side dish or topping for added texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg