Stuffed chicken breasts are a classic dinner staple that never goes out of style. When properly executed they are juicy flavorful and satisfying. The secret lies in butterflying the chicken breasts, preparing a flavorful stuffing, and using the right cooking method to lock in moisture. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to make restaurant-quality stuffed chicken breasts at home anytime.
Step 1: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts
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Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Go for larger ones with a uniform thickness. Rinse the chicken and pat dry.
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Use a sharp knife to slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, stopping about 1/2 inch from the edge
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Open up the breast like a book to create a pocket for the stuffing.
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Lightly pound the chicken to an even thickness, being careful not to overdo it.
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Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. You can also brush with olive oil or melted butter for added moisture.
Step 2: Make the Savory Stuffing
The stuffing is where you can unleash your creativity and add lots of flavors. Here are some tasty options:
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Herb and cheese stuffing: Saute onions and celery. Mix with breadcrumbs, egg, fresh herbs like parsley, basil, oregano, cheeses like parmesan, goat cheese or feta.
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Mushroom and spinach stuffing: Saute mushrooms and spinach. Mix with breadcrumbs, egg, feta cheese, garlic, thyme.
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Sausage and apple stuffing: Cook sausage and apples. Mix with breadcrumbs, chicken stock, sage, onion and celery.
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Tex-Mex stuffing: Cook chorizo, peppers and onions. Mix with corn breadcrumbs, cheddar cheese, cilantro.
Some key tips for the stuffing:
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Use a binder like egg or cream cheese to hold it together.
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Add cheese for richness and flavor. Feta, cheddar, brie work nicely.
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Incorporate herbs, spices, garlic, onions to amp up the flavor.
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Mix in vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peppers, onions.
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Cool stuffing slightly before adding to chicken to prevent premature warming.
Step 3: Stuff and Seal the Chicken Breasts
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Place 1/4 to 1/3 cup of stuffing into the pocket of each chicken breast.
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Fold over the edges and seal with toothpicks if needed to contain the stuffing.
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Use kitchen twine to tie up chicken breasts for a tidy presentation.
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Make sure not to overstuff, which can cause leakage during cooking.
Step 4: Cook Using Your Preferred Method
Oven Baked:
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Preheat oven to 375°F.
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Place stuffed chicken breasts in baking dish coated with oil or cooking spray.
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Brush chicken with oil or melted butter.
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Bake for 30-40 minutes until cooked through.
Pan-Seared:
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Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
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Cook chicken 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
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Transfer to oven and bake 10-15 minutes until done.
Grilled:
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Preheat grill to medium heat.
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Grill stuffed chicken 6-8 minutes per side.
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Ensure it reaches 165°F internal temperature.
Air Fried:
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Set air fryer to 380°F.
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Cook stuffed chicken 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Slow Cooker:
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Place chicken in slow cooker. Top with sauce like bbq or Italian dressing.
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Cook on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
Instant Pot:
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Add 1 cup liquid to pot and place trivet inside.
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Arrange stuffed chicken on trivet. Lock lid.
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Manual high pressure 15 minutes. Natural release 10 minutes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breasts
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Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F.
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Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
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Cook stuffing in oven while chicken bakes for a complete meal.
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Season chicken and stuffing generously with salt, pepper and herbs.
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Brush chicken with oil or melted butter before and during cooking.
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Mix a few breadcrumbs into the stuffing for added texture.
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Use quality, fresh ingredients for optimal flavor.
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Get creative with fun add-ins like cranberries, bacon, apricots, nuts.
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Pair with creamy mushroom sauce, pan gravy, or tangy citrus butter.
With the right techniques and some practice, you’ll be able to master stuffed chicken breasts in no time. The possibilities for variations are endless, so have fun with different flavor combos. Impress your family with these satisfying stuffed chicken breasts tonight!
Ingredients for Chicken and Stuffing Bake
From savory stuffing to aromatic rosemary, these simple ingredients combine to create a dish destined to become a dinner table staple.
Can I use different herbs in the topping?
Yes, experiment with different herbs like thyme, sage, or oregano. Just keep in mind that some herbs have stronger flavors than others, so you might want to adjust the amounts accordingly.
Stove Top Stuffing Chicken Breast! These are so easy & good that they are a must try!!
FAQ
How do you stuff a chicken with stuffing?
Gently separate the skin from the breast meat using your fingers and push softened herby butter into the space between, covering the fillets. Stuff the cavity with aromatics, such as lemon halves, rosemary, thyme. To neaten and hold in any stuffing in the cavity, tie the legs together using string.
Do you have to cook stuffing before putting in chicken?
Do you cook the stuffing before adding it to the casserole? Nope, but you do hydrate it with some chicken broth before adding on top of the chicken mixture. When baked, it becomes a golden and crunchy topping.
What is a stuffing stuffed chicken breast?
A stuffing-stuffed chicken breast is the ultimate dinner upgrade. Imagine a tender, juicy chicken breast, loaded with a savory stuffing that keeps every bite full of flavor. This dish isn’t just about eating well; it’s about indulging in a meal that feels both comforting and special.
How do you add stuffing to chicken?
Adding the stuffing ingredients to the chicken is very simple. Place the chicken on a cutting board and carefully slice the chicken breast in half but keep one side of the chicken intact. This will create a pocket to allow to spoon the stuffing into the chicken. Can I Make Stuffed Chicken Ahead of Time?
How do you cook stuffed chicken breasts?
Stuff chicken breasts. Fill each chicken breasts with ¼ portion of the stuffing mixture and place them into the prepared baking dish (photo 3). Mix together ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of onion powder. Sprinkle the seasoning onto each stuffed breast (photo 4). Bake stuffed chicken breasts.
Can you make stuffing stuffed chicken breast with leftovers?
You can make stuffing stuffed chicken breast with leftovers from Thanksgiving, or simply when you’re in the mood for some comfort food. This dish uses a classic stuffing recipe, but there’s lots of room to explore here, so be sure to peep our recipe variations too.
How do you make Italian stuffed chicken?
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared pan. Drizzle each one evenly with the olive oil and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning. Add about 1 ½ tablespoons of the reserved raw and crunchy stuffing mixture to the top of each chicken breast, pressing down to help it adhere.
How do you cook stuffed chicken in a crock pot?
Stuff the Chicken: Spoon ¼ of the stuffing mixture into each chicken breast pocket. Place the stuffed breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season each breast with the salt, pepper, and onion powder mixture. Bake the Chicken: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.