Pan fried chicken breast is a staple in many kitchens, cherished for its simplicity, versatility, and delicious flavor. When seasoned and cooked just right, the exterior becomes perfectly golden and crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender. However, taking this classic dish to the next level is as easy as adding a flavorful stuffing like spinach, pesto, cheese, or tapenade. Imagine cutting into a beautifully pan-fried chicken breast to discover a luscious, melty blend of goat cheese, Parmesan, and cheddar. This trio of cheeses offers a delightful harmony of flavors and textures. The creamy tang of goat cheese, the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan, and the rich, buttery taste of cheddar come together to create a filling that is both sophisticated and comforting. Stuffing chicken breasts with cheese is straightforward: start by butterflying the chicken breasts to create a pocket. Then, mix the cheeses with a touch of seasoning and herbs for added flavor. Fill the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture, fold them back, and secure with toothpicks. Pan-frying the stuffed chicken breasts not only locks in the moisture but also ensures the cheeses melt perfectly, creating a gooey, irresistible center. The result is a dish that transforms a simple chicken breast into a gourmet experience. Each bite offers a burst of cheesy goodness, elevating the flavors and textures to new heights. Perfect for impressing dinner guests or making a regular weeknight meal feel special, this pan fried chicken breast stuffed with cheese is a testament to how a little creativity can turn an everyday ingredient into something extraordinary.
Why is this the best recipe?
Flavor Explosion: Stuffing chicken breasts allows for a burst of flavors in every bite. Ingredients like cheeses, herbs, and spices infuse the chicken from the inside out, creating a deliciously rich and satisfying taste experience. Versatility: The possibilities for stuffing are endless. From classic combinations like cheese and spinach to more exotic options like sun-dried tomatoes and basil pesto, you can easily tailor the recipe to suit different palates and dietary preferences. Moist and Tender: Stuffing helps keep the chicken breasts moist during cooking. The stuffing acts as an insulator, preventing the chicken from drying out and ensuring each bite is tender and juicy. Elegant Presentation: Stuffed chicken breasts look impressive and are perfect for special occasions. The beautiful, golden-brown exterior, coupled with the surprise filling inside, makes for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to wow your guests. Nutrient-Rich: Depending on your stuffing choices, you can add a variety of nutrients to your meal. Vegetables, cheeses, and lean proteins enhance the nutritional value of the dish, making it a wholesome and balanced meal. Easy to Prepare: Despite its gourmet appearance, stuffed chicken breast is surprisingly easy to make. With a few simple steps—butterflying the chicken, adding the stuffing, and securing it—you can create a restaurant-quality dish at home with minimal fuss.
Ingredients and substitutes
Chicken – You want to use medium size chicken breast, so it cooks through. The one I have in this video is thicker, which takes longer to cook. Cheese – I am using a combination of goat cheese, cheddar cheese, and parmesan cheese. The parmesan adds a nice nutty flavor while the cheddar is nice and sharp. The goat cheese has a strong flavor but absolutely delicious. You can choose whichever three kinds of cheeses you enjoy eating. Onion and garlic – I am using powder to keep things quick and easy. But, you can certainly use fresh cooked onion and garlic, so they are no raw in the middle of the chicken. Water – The water prevents the butter from burning and makes some pan juices. You can also use chicken broth. Flour – The flour gives the chicken a good caramelized color and thickens those pan juices. But, you can also use gluten-free flour. Optional ingredients – this is a very versatile recipes. You can add other falvors to the filling from mustard and chilly flakes to
Step-by-step: Cheese stuffed chicken breast recipe
Chicken – Pat dry the chicken breast and place it on a paper towel. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket on the side of the chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
Filling —Combine all the cheese-filling ingredients in a medium bowl. Combine goat cheese with parmesan and cheese, followed by garlic and onion powder. Add salt, pepper, parsley, and sour cream.
Stuff breast – Divide the stuffing between the two chicken breast pockets and secure with a toothpick. Coat the breast with flour.Pro tip – The flour helps give a nice golden color and thickens the pan sauce. Skillet – Place a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add the oil and butter.Pro tip – I prefer cast-iron as it gives a nice color and cooks evenly too.
Cook – Gently place the chicken breast and sear them on both sides for 2 minutes each. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and add the water. Cover and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning once in between.Pro tip – The water will prevent the chicken from burning and help keep it moist. Serve – When done open the pan and coat the chicken breast with pan juices. I served it with a side salad, but mashed or roast potatoes are also
Tips for success
Use room temperature chicken breast to cook. Frozen meat does not cook evenly. You want to make the pocket deep to stuff the chicken well. A shallow pocket will not have enough filling and cause it to flow outside when cooking. When searing the chicken breast, cook it medium-high, then lower it to medium-low. This will ensure good color on the sear. At the same time, cook to ensure the breast is cooked well inside. The same recipe can be made in many variations by changing the type of cheese used! This is the perfect dish for meal prep. Stuff the chicken and refrigerate it for up to two days before cooking. Alternatively, sear the chicken on the stovetop and finish it in the oven at 165C/325F for 20 to 25 minutes. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. They can also be stored in freezer bags for up to a month.
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Frequently asked questions
Variations
Broccoli cheese – add steamed grated broccoli cheese fillling. You can do the same with cauliflower too! Cream cheese mixture – I am using grated cheeses but you can also use a combination of cream cheese. I like to add some green leafy greens like spinach with cream cheese. Mozzarella filling – if you like a cheesy filling that’s stringy? Add 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Pan gravy – if you love gravy, then there is so much flavor in the skillet. Remove the breast and add 1/2 cup heavy cream to the skillet. Stir with a whisk until thickened. Tranfer to the gravy boat and serve with the stuffed chicken breast. Premade filling – to keep things simple you can also use ready to use sauces from the jar such as red or green pesto to make stuffed pesto chicken breast.
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