Stuffed Chicken
Stuffed chicken is a culinary delight that brings together the savory flavors of tender chicken and a variety of delicious fillings. This dish not only looks impressive on the plate but also offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, stuffed chicken is sure to please your guests and family alike. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will elevate your cooking skills and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 4 chicken breasts
– 1 cup cooked rice (or quinoa)
– 1/2 cup chopped spinach
– 1/4 cup cream cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for drizzling
– Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 30-35 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 stuffed chicken breast) contains approximately:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 35g
– Carbohydrates: 15g
– Fat: 12g
This nutritional information is based on a single serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix cooked rice, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
4. Stuff each breast with the rice mixture.
5. Secure the opening with toothpicks.
6. Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
7. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to customize the stuffing by using different grains like couscous or farro, or adding vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms. You can also substitute the cream cheese with ricotta or feta for a different flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider serving it with a light white wine or a refreshing herbal tea for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Stuffed chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s tightly wrapped.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not seasoning the chicken before cooking.
- Overstuffing the chicken, which can lead to uneven cooking.
- Skipping the searing step, which adds flavor.
- Not letting the chicken rest after baking, which helps retain juices.
- Ignoring the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Using cold filling straight from the fridge.
- Not securing the pockets properly, leading to spillage during cooking.
Helpful Tips
- Use a meat mallet to pound chicken breasts for even cooking.
- Experiment with different cheeses in the stuffing for varied flavors.
- Include nuts or dried fruits in the stuffing for added texture.
- Marinate the chicken for extra flavor before cooking.
- Consider using a thermometer to check for doneness.
FAQs
How do I know when the stuffed chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Can I make stuffed chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
What can I use instead of chicken breasts?
You can use chicken thighs or pork chops as alternatives. Just ensure they are boneless for easy stuffing.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?
Make sure to secure the pocket with toothpicks and avoid overfilling to minimize leaking during cooking.
Can I grill stuffed chicken?
Yes, grilling stuffed chicken is a fantastic option. Just ensure it’s cooked evenly and reaches the safe temperature.
Conclusion
Stuffed chicken is a versatile and impressive dish that can be tailored to your taste preferences. With its savory filling and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions, it promises to delight everyone at your table.

Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh herbs rosemary or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cooked rice, spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast.
- Stuff each breast with the rice mixture.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks.
- Season the outside of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.