If you are craving a dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, this Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to meal. With juicy chicken breasts lovingly filled with savory, seasoned stuffing and just a hint of melted cheddar cheese, every bite feels like a warm hug at the dinner table. This recipe combines simplicity with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Once you try this Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed chicken without that delicious surprise interior.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about this Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each component plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and aromas, bringing the dish to life with every forkful.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, providing a tender and juicy base for the stuffing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth to the overall taste.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken’s exterior.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a luscious golden crust.
- 1 cup prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought): The cozy filling that makes this dish so irresistible and hearty.
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional): A melty, cheesy layer that adds an indulgent creaminess inside.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses flavor during baking.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Richness that amplifies the savory notes and tenderizes the meat.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves: Herbal brightness to balance the richness and brighten each bite.
How to Make Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s ready once your chicken is seared. Gently pat the chicken breasts dry using paper towels — this step is crucial to getting a nice sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Then, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold that delicious stuffing, so take your time to make a neat cavity.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Stuff each chicken breast pocket with about a quarter cup of your prepared stuffing. If you’re feeling a little indulgent, sprinkle a bit of shredded cheddar cheese inside for extra gooeyness. If your pockets feel a little loose, don’t hesitate to secure them with toothpicks to keep everything snug during cooking.
Step 3: Sear to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear each side for roughly 2 to 3 minutes or until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step locks in the juices and adds irresistible flavor to the chicken’s exterior.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
After searing, pour the chicken broth into the skillet along with butter and fresh thyme leaves. The broth and butter create a luscious cooking liquid that keeps the meat moist and infuses the herbs. Transfer the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Once done, remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes — this helps the juices redistribute and ensures tender, juicy bites.
How to Serve Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe presentation, sprinkle a few freshly chopped herbs like parsley or extra thyme leaves right before serving. A light drizzle of olive oil or a pat of butter melted on top adds a glossy finish and extra richness.
Side Dishes
This versatile chicken pairs wonderfully with a range of sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complement the hearty stuffing. For a more robust meal, garlic butter green beans or sautéed mushrooms are fantastic choices.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, slice the Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe diagonally to reveal that gorgeous, stuffed center. Arrange the slices fan-style on a platter with a drizzle of pan sauce from the skillet for a restaurant-quality touch. Adding a few roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of toasted nuts adds a pop of color and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent the stuffing from drying out. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat gently for the best texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked stuffed chicken breasts by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers either in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes or in the microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken. To keep the stuffing moist, cover loosely with foil or a microwave-safe lid while warming.
FAQs
Can I use different types of stuffing for this recipe?
Absolutely! This Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Feel free to use cornbread stuffing, herb stuffing, or even a wild rice blend to match your flavor preferences.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before baking?
Searing is key to developing rich flavor and a beautiful golden crust, which elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. While you can skip it, searing adds a delightful texture you won’t want to miss.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the shredded cheddar cheese and butter, or substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative. The chicken and stuffing will still be deliciously satisfying.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy without becoming dry.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can stuff the chicken breasts and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight before cooking. Just keep them covered and cook as directed when ready to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe brings comfort and delight all in one dish. It’s a perfect blend of juicy chicken and flavorful filling that feels just right any time of the year. I promise once you make this recipe, it will become a beloved favorite on your dinner rotation, impressing family and friends alike. So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the cozy magic of this wonderful meal!
Print
Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a comforting and savory main course that combines tender chicken breasts with flavorful stuffing and optional cheesy goodness. Perfect for holiday dinners or a hearty weeknight meal, the chicken is first seared for a golden crust and then oven-baked to juicy perfection with fresh thyme and chicken broth for extra moisture and aroma.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Stuffing Mixture
- 1 cup prepared stuffing (homemade or store-bought)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For Baking
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika for a flavorful crust.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through. This pocket will hold the stuffing.
- Stuff the Chicken: Spoon about 1/4 cup of prepared stuffing into each pocket. Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese inside each if using for extra creamy flavor. Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to keep the stuffing intact during cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. This step locks in juices and adds texture.
- Add Liquid and Herbs: Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the chicken. Add the unsalted butter and sprinkle fresh thyme leaves over the chicken to infuse aromatic flavors while baking.
- Oven Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Remove any toothpicks used before serving for a neat presentation.
Notes
- You can use any favorite type of stuffing such as cornbread or herb stuffing for personalized flavor.
- For an extra flavorful crust, brush the chicken with melted butter or olive oil before baking.
- Remember to remove toothpicks before serving to avoid choking hazards.
