Stuffed Chicken Breast: Juicy, Flavorful & Impressively Easy

Introduction

Elevate your weeknight dinners with these Stuffed Chicken Breasts—tender chicken filled with creamy, savory goodness, then baked to golden perfection. Whether you prefer spinach and feta, sun-dried tomato and mozzarella, or a cheesy bacon ranch filling, this versatile recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Endlessly customizable – Sweet, savory, or spicy stuffings
Juicy every time – No more dry chicken!
Meal-prep friendly – Stuff ahead and bake when ready
Elegant enough for company – Looks fancy but is surprisingly simple

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika

Classic Spinach & Feta Filling:

• 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, squeezed dry)
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Alternative Filling Ideas:

• Sun-Dried Tomato & Mozzarella: ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes + ½ cup shredded mozzarella + 1 tbsp basil
• Bacon Ranch: ¼ cup cooked bacon bits + ¼ cup cheddar + 2 tbsp ranch dressing
• Mushroom & Swiss: ½ cup sautéed mushrooms + ⅓ cup Swiss cheese + 1 tsp thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

1. Butterfly the breasts: Slice horizontally through the thickest part, leaving one side attached (like a book).
2. Pound gently to ¼-inch thickness between plastic wrap.
3. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Make & Add the Filling

1. Mix your chosen filling ingredients in a bowl.
2. Spread ¼ of the mixture on one side of each butterflied breast.
3. Fold over and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.

Pro Tip: Chill stuffed breasts for 15 minutes to help them hold shape.

3. Cook to Perfection

Baking Method (Easiest):

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high.
3. Sear chicken 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Transfer skillet to oven and bake 15-18 minutes until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Air Fryer Option:

1. Spray basket with oil.
2. Cook at 370°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Expert Tips for Success

Juicy Chicken Secrets

• Don’t overstuff – Too much filling causes leaks.
• Use a meat thermometer – 165°F is the safe sweet spot.
• Rest 5 minutes before slicing to lock in juices.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with:
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus
• Crispy Parmesan potatoes
• Drizzle with:
• Lemon butter sauce
• Balsamic glaze
• Pesto cream

Troubleshooting

Problem: Filling oozing out
Solution: Secure tighter with toothpicks and don’t overfill.

Problem: Chicken drying out
Solution: Brine breasts in saltwater for 30 minutes before prepping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes! Use boneless thighs and adjust cooking time to 20-25 minutes.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven.

Can I freeze stuffed chicken?

Freeze before cooking for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight before baking.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Mozzarella, provolone, or Swiss melt beautifully.

Why This Recipe Wins

Foolproof techniques for juicy, flavorful chicken
Endless flavor combos to suit any craving
Meal-prep hero – Fancy enough for date night, easy enough for Tuesday

Stuffed Chicken Breast: Juicy, Flavorful & Impressively Easy

---

• Author: Lara Smith
• Total Time: 45 MINS

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This stuffed chicken breast recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Marinade:

2 Tbsp avocado oil

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning

1 Tbsp garlic powder

For the Stuffing:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt & pepper, to taste

2 Tbsp butter

1 cup roasted red peppers, chopped

1 cup baby spinach, chopped

4 slices fresh mozzarella

---

Instructions

Marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of avocado oil, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder for 1-12 hours.

Sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with avocado oil until browned, then set aside.

Sauté spinach and red peppers in butter until spinach wilts.

Make a slit in each chicken breast, stuff with the spinach mixture and mozzarella, and secure with toothpicks.

Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.