Irresistible Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken: Your New Favorite Weeknight Meal
Prepare to delight your taste buds and impress your family with this incredibly flavorful Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken recipe. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines gourmet taste with simple preparation, making it the perfect choice for any lunch or dinner, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend meal. Imagine tender, seasoned chicken breasts generously filled with a vibrant, creamy blend of cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes, then pan-seared to golden perfection before being baked to succulent juiciness. This recipe promises a culinary experience that is both satisfying and delightfully easy to achieve.
The magic of this Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken lies in its vibrant Italian-inspired flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes, thanks to the rich, cheesy filling and the robust seasoning of the chicken. It’s a simple chicken recipe designed to be a family favorite, delivering big flavors without demanding hours in the kitchen. If you’re searching for other chicken masterpieces, don’t miss our Best Chicken Parmesan Recipe!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
This isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary revelation that will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation. Here’s why:
- Explosion of Flavor in Every Bite: The heart of this dish is its unforgettable stuffing. Cream cheese and shredded mozzarella melt together into a luxurious, gooey core, beautifully complemented by the intense, sweet-tart burst of sundried tomatoes and dried cranberries. Fresh basil adds an aromatic lift, while a hint of black pepper brings a subtle warmth. This filling creates a symphony of sweet, tangy, creamy, and savory notes that dance on your palate.
- Surprisingly Simple to Prepare: Don’t let the elegant presentation fool you; this recipe is incredibly straightforward. With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can create a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. From pantry to plate in roughly 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special but lack time.
- Perfectly Cooked, Succulent Chicken: We start by marinating the chicken breasts in a vibrant Italian seasoned mix, ensuring every fiber is infused with flavor. A quick pan-sear creates a gorgeous, crispy golden crust that locks in all the precious juices. The chicken then finishes baking in the oven, resulting in incredibly tender, moist, and flavorful chicken that’s never dry.
- Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile: This stuffed chicken breast is a guaranteed hit with adults and children alike. Its appealing flavors and satisfying texture make it a fantastic option for family dinners, entertaining guests, or even meal prepping for the week ahead. It pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, allowing for endless customization.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need for This Stuffed Chicken
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delectable meal. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend using medium to small sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier stuffing and even cooking.
- Fresh Spinach: A handful of fresh spinach adds a touch of earthy green, a nutritional boost, and a vibrant color contrast to the rich filling.
For the Flavorful Chicken Seasoning
This simple yet powerful blend enhances the chicken’s natural taste and prepares it for its delicious transformation.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet, peppery flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers, balancing the overall taste profile.
- Onion Powder: Provides a savory, umami depth without the texture of fresh onion.
For the Luscious Stuffing
The heart of this recipe, this creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet filling is what makes this dish truly special.
- Cream Cheese: The base for our creamy filling, offering a delightful tang and richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts beautifully, providing that irresistible cheesy pull and mild, milky flavor. Shredding your own offers superior melt.
- Dried Cranberries: A surprising but wonderful addition, offering bursts of sweet and tart flavor that perfectly complement the sundried tomatoes and cheese.
- Black Pepper: A generous amount adds a pungent, spicy kick that cuts through the richness.
- Chopped Fresh Basil: Imparts a fresh, aromatic, slightly sweet, and peppery note, characteristic of Italian cuisine.
- Sundried Tomatoes: The star of the stuffing! Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped, for their concentrated, intense, sweet-tart tomato flavor.
For the Aromatic Outer Marinade
This final rub before searing ensures the chicken’s exterior is just as flavorful as its interior.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, providing a classic Mediterranean aroma. Opt for salt-free versions to control seasoning.
- Sundried Tomato Oil: Don’t discard the oil from your sundried tomatoes! It’s infused with incredible flavor and perfect for this marinade.
- Onion Powder: Reinforces the savory base.
- Black Pepper & Salt: For seasoning the exterior of the chicken. Adjust salt if using regular Italian seasoning.
- Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle hint of heat, which can be adjusted to your preference or omitted.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is indispensable for that pungent, aromatic depth.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavors, adds a touch of acidity, and helps tenderize the chicken.
How to Make This Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this gourmet-level dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for perfect results:
- Prepare Your Delectable Stuffing: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, dried cranberries, fresh chopped basil, a generous dash of black pepper, and the finely chopped sundried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is creamy and uniform. This can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prepare and Season Your Chicken: Select medium or small boneless, skinless chicken breasts. To prepare them for stuffing, you’ll need to butterfly them. Lay a chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice horizontally through the thickest part of the breast, almost all the way to the other side, but leave about half an inch connected. This creates a “hinge” so you can open the chicken flat like a book. (See photo below for a visual guide). Season both sides of the butterflied chicken generously with your paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder blend.
- Stuff the Chicken with Care: Lay the seasoned, butterflied chicken breast flat on your work surface. On one half of the chicken, place a layer of fresh spinach leaves. On the other half, spoon a generous amount of your prepared cheese and sundried tomato stuffing. Be mindful not to overstuff, as this can make it difficult to close the chicken and may cause the filling to seep out during cooking. You want just enough to comfortably fold the chicken over.
- Secure and Marinade: Gently fold the unstuffed half of the chicken over the stuffed half, enclosing the filling. To keep the stuffing securely inside, use toothpicks to seal the edges of the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the outer marinade: Italian seasoning, sundried tomato oil, onion powder, black pepper, chili flakes, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Generously rub this aromatic marinade over the entire surface of each stuffed chicken breast.
- Sear and Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or your preferred cooking oil) in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Pan-sear for about 5 minutes on each side, until beautifully golden brown and crispy. This step creates incredible flavor and locks in moisture. You can add a few fresh garlic cloves to the pan during searing for extra aroma. Once seared, transfer the skillet directly to the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest, Serve, and Savor: Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. It’s crucial to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist final product. Remove the toothpicks, then serve your exquisite Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Expert Tips & Tricks for the Best Stuffed Chicken
Achieving culinary perfection is all about the details. Here are some extra tips to ensure your Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken turns out flawlessly every time:
- Preheat Your Oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature before placing the chicken inside. This helps ensure even cooking and a consistent outcome.
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: For a lump-free, easily mixed stuffing, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This will create a smoother, more uniform filling.
- Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: The recipe calls for both pan-searing and baking, so an oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel) is essential for a seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
- Mind Your Salt Levels: If your Italian seasoning blend already contains salt, be cautious when adding additional salt to both the chicken seasoning and the outer marinade. Using salt-free seasonings gives you better control over the final saltiness of your dish.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: While pre-shredded mozzarella is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. For the best gooey, melty texture, we highly recommend shredding your own block of mozzarella.
- Prepare Sundried Tomatoes Properly: If your sundried tomatoes are large, chop them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for better distribution in the stuffing. Always use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for superior flavor and texture.
- Avoid Overstuffing: It’s tempting to pack in as much delicious filling as possible, but overstuffing can lead to the filling oozing out and potentially burning. Use just enough to comfortably seal the chicken.
- Secure with Toothpicks: After stuffing and folding the chicken, use kitchen-safe toothpicks to secure the edges. This prevents the filling from escaping during searing and baking.
- Check for Doneness: The safest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken breast (avoiding the stuffing), and it should read at least 165°F (74°C) according to USDA guidelines.
- Experiment with Herbs: While fresh basil is fantastic, feel free to get creative with other dried herbs. A pinch of dried thyme or rosemary in the marinade can add another layer of aromatic complexity.
- The Importance of Resting: Don’t skip the resting period! Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking enables the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly moist and tender chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to Butterfly a Chicken Breast Like a Pro?
Butterflying a chicken breast is a simple technique that allows you to stuff it easily. Start by choosing medium or small-sized boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Place one breast on a cutting board. Hold the chicken firmly with one hand. With a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of the chicken breast, starting from one long side. Do not cut all the way through; leave about a half-inch hinge on the opposite side. This allows you to open the chicken flat, like a book, creating a larger, thinner surface perfect for filling. You can then gently pound the chicken slightly with a meat mallet if you want an even thinner and larger canvas for stuffing. Our step-by-step photo above visually demonstrates this process.
What Are the Best Sides to Serve with This Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast?
This flavorful chicken dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of accompaniments, making it incredibly versatile. Here are some fantastic ideas to complete your meal:
- Potato Perfection:
- Herb and Parmesan Oven Roasted Potatoes: Crispy, savory, and utterly delicious.
- Easy Homemade Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food that soaks up all the delicious pan juices.
- Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes: A sweeter, healthier alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
- Spicy Cilantro Hassleback Potatoes: A visually impressive and flavorful potato option.
- Parmesan Herbed Potatoes: Another excellent choice for herby, cheesy goodness.
- Green Vegetables:
- Oven Baked Brussels Sprouts: Roasted until tender and caramelized, they offer a slight bitterness that complements the rich chicken.
- Steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a light and healthy option.
- A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
- Grains and Pastas:
- Fluffy quinoa or couscous to absorb the flavorful juices.
- A light pasta dish, perhaps with a simple olive oil and garlic sauce.
- Breads:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up any remaining sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store and Reheat Leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (or if you’re meal prepping!), this stuffed chicken stores and reheats beautifully. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, we highly recommend wrapping individual portions in aluminum foil or parchment paper and gently reheating them in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) until warmed through. This method helps the chicken retain its moisture and prevents it from drying out. While you can technically microwave chicken, it often results in a less tender and sometimes rubbery texture, so the oven method is preferred for optimal quality.
Can I Prepare This Stuffed Chicken in Advance?
Absolutely! This recipe is fantastic for meal prep. You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day or two ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also butterfly and season the chicken breasts the day before. On cooking day, simply assemble, sear, and bake. This makes the cooking process even quicker and more convenient.
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses or Fillings?
While the combination of cream cheese and mozzarella with sundried tomatoes and cranberries is exceptional, feel free to experiment! You could try goat cheese for a tangier flavor, feta cheese for a salty punch, or provolone for a sharper, meltier finish. For the filling, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a different type of dried fruit, like apricots, for a unique twist.
Other Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this stuffed chicken, be sure to explore our other creative and flavorful recipes:
- Air Fryer Stuffed Bell Peppers
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We truly hope you enjoy this delightful Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken recipe. It’s a dish crafted with passion to bring joy to your kitchen and dining table. We encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience with friends and family!
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Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- Handful of fresh Spinach
CHICKEN SEASONING:
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. onion powder
STUFFING:
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, whipped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp. black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1/2 cup sundried tomato, drained from oil
OUTER MARINADE:
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, no salt added
- 1 tbsp. sundried tomato oil
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp. minced garlic
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp. salt
Instructions
- First prepare the stuffing ingredients. In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, cranberries, basil, black pepper, and sundried tomatoes.
- Prepare the chicken breast. Try choosing medium or small sized chicken breast when you buy your chicken breasts. Slice the chicken breast horizontally in middle but not all the way through, still leaving the two pieces attach to each other. Open to lay flat. I have demonstrated all the steps in the photo for you. Season with some salt, pepper, paprika and some sort of herb. You can using some Italian season or dry oregano. If you use an Italian seasoning with salt, do not add salt to it when you season it.
- Place a layer of fresh spinach on one side of the chicken and then place the stuffing on top. Do not overstuff so you don’t have the stuffing coming out of the chicken. You need just enough to close up the chicken without any extra stuffing coming out of the side.
- Rub the chicken with the outside marinade. Secure the edges with toothpick.
- In a oven safe skillet, heat up 2 tbsps. of vegetable oil, or any oil you prefer, and pan sear the chicken breasts on each side for 5 minutes. Add in some fresh garlic cloves and then into a preheated 400 degree oven to bake for 30 minutes. Remove and allow a few minutes to cool and then serve.
- Serve with a side dish of mash or steak potatoes as well as veggies if you prefer that.
Notes
- Use a preheated oven.
- Have your cream cheese at room temp, for easier mixing.
- Make sure you use an oven safe skillet because you are transferring from stove top to the oven.
- If you use an Italian seasoning with salt, do not add salt to it when you season it. I like using salt-free seasonings this way I add as much salt as I like on the side. Sometimes certain seasoning are too salty.
- Ideally shred your own cheese, pre-shredded cheese does not melt as nicely.
- Slice the sundried tomatoes into smaller pieces if they are too big and use oil-packed ones.
- Do not overstuff so you don’t have the stuffing coming out of the chicken and it will burn.
- Once stuffed, secure the edges of the chicken with toothpicks.
- To check the doneness of the chicken you can use a meat thermometer, just insert it into the thickest part of the chicken – it should read at least 165F (as per USDA guidelines).
- Feel free to use other dried herbs, like thyme and rosemary.
- Allow a few minutes for the chicken to rest before serving, this allows the juices to distribute in the chicken and makes it nice and tender!
Nutrition
Calories: 638kcal |
Carbohydrates: 29.2g |
Protein: 74.7g |
Fat: 24.8g |
Saturated Fat: 10.7g |
Sodium: 1095mg |
Sugar: 16.8g