Ina Garten’s Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish that combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a delicious mixture of bread crumbs, fresh herbs, and vegetables for a well-balanced meal. This recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering serves six people and requires about 45 minutes to prepare, including both prep and cooking time.
Try More Chicken Recipes
- Ina Garten Chicken Fried Steak
- Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Ina Garten Chicken Salad With Broccoli
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe:
- Crispy Perfection: The breading creates a wonderfully crispy exterior while keeping the steak incredibly juicy inside.
- Flavorful Gravy: The rich and savory gravy is the perfect complement to the crispy steak.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with readily available ingredients, this recipe is easy to follow.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
❓ What Is Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe?
Stuffed chicken breast is a classic dish that is made by stuffing boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a variety of ingredients, such as bread crumbs, herbs, and vegetables. The chicken breasts are then baked or pan-fried until cooked through.
🍗 Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach (chopped)
- ½ cup cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Toothpicks (to seal the chicken)
🌯 Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Spoon the filling into each chicken breast pocket and use toothpicks to secure the opening.
- Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Serve hot with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
📍 Recipe Tips
- Choose Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: Use similar-sized chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If they are too thick, you can butterfly them to make stuffing easier.
- Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting the Pocket: A sharp knife makes it easier to create a deep pocket without cutting through the entire chicken breast.
- Don’t Overfill the Chicken: Avoid stuffing the chicken breasts too much, as it can cause the filling to spill out while cooking.
- Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to seal the edges and prevent the stuffing from escaping during baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the stuffed chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side before baking helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust and adds more depth to the flavor.
🍚 What To Serve With Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Stuffed Chicken Breast pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or garlic butter rice a fresh green salad, steamed asparagus, or sautéed spinach adds balance. For a heartier meal serve it with creamy pasta, quinoa or a side of garlic bread.
🎚 How To Store Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breast?
- Refrigerator: Store leftover stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze leftover stuffed chicken breast in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breast?
- In The Oven: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) reheat leftover stuffed chicken breast in the oven for up 7-9 minutes or until heated through.
- In The Microuwave: Reheat leftover stuffed chicken breast in the microwave for up 4-5 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
What are some popular stuffing ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Common stuffing ingredients include spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, herbs like basil or parsley, and cured meats such as prosciutto or bacon. These combinations enhance the flavor and juiciness of the chicken.
How do I ensure the filling stays inside the Stuffed Chicken Breast during cooking?
After stuffing the chicken breast, use toothpicks to close the opening securely. Additionally, avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the filling to leak out. Searing the chicken before baking can also help seal the edges.
What cooking methods can be used for Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Stuffed Chicken Breasts can be baked, pan-fried, grilled, or even cooked in an air fryer. Baking is a common method, as it ensures even cooking and allows the filling to heat thoroughly.
How long should I cook a Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Cooking times vary depending on the size of the chicken breast and the cooking method. Generally, baking at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes is effective. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
How do I prevent Stuffed Chicken Breasts from drying out?
To keep Stuffed Chicken Breasts moist, avoid overcooking and consider marinating the chicken beforehand. Using a filling that contains moisture-rich ingredients like cheese or vegetables can also help maintain juiciness.
More Chicken Recipes:
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 559 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Protein: 61 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Cholesterol: 203 mg
- Sodium: 701 mg
- Potassium: 1370 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Vitamin A: 3031 IU
- Vitamin C: 14 mg
- Calcium: 293 mg
- Iron: 3 mg
Ina Garten Stuffed Chicken Breast
Description
Ina Garten’s Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and elegant dish that combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a delicious mixture of bread crumbs, fresh herbs, and vegetables for a well-balanced meal. This recipe, perfect for a family dinner or a special gathering serves six people and requires about 45 minutes to prepare, including both prep and cooking time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or nonstick spray. Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without slicing all the way through.
- In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
- Spoon the filling into each chicken breast pocket and use toothpicks to secure the opening.
- Rub the outside of the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with paprika, salt, and black pepper for extra flavor.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken to the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks. Serve hot with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Choose Even-Sized Chicken Breasts: Use similar-sized chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If they are too thick, you can butterfly them to make stuffing easier.
Use a Sharp Knife for Cutting the Pocket: A sharp knife makes it easier to create a deep pocket without cutting through the entire chicken breast.
Don’t Overfill the Chicken: Avoid stuffing the chicken breasts too much, as it can cause the filling to spill out while cooking.
Secure with Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to seal the edges and prevent the stuffing from escaping during baking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the stuffed chicken breasts for 1-2 minutes per side before baking helps create a crispy, golden-brown crust and adds more depth to the flavor.