Some nights, I crave a dinner that’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying — but without spending forever in the kitchen.
One hectic Tuesday evening, I opened the fridge, saw a few basic ingredients, and decided to get creative.
In less than 30 minutes, I had juicy, golden chicken breasts stuffed with melty mozzarella, tender spinach, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes.
When I sliced into that first breast and saw the cheese ooze out, I knew I’d found a new favorite.
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is proof that fast and easy doesn’t mean boring.
It looks fancy, tastes amazing, and best of all, it’s simple enough to throw together after a long day.
Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe will never let you down.
Table of Contents
Key Benefits of Making This Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal Ingredients: Simple staples, big flavors.
- Juicy and Flavorful: Perfectly seasoned, seared, and baked to keep every bite moist.
- Customizable: Endless stuffing variations depending on what you have on hand.
- High-Protein, Low-Carb: Naturally fits into a healthy eating plan without sacrificing satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breast
Full Ingredient List
Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 large | Thick breasts ideal for stuffing |
Baby spinach | 1 cup | Fresh is best; lightly sautéed optional |
Mozzarella cheese | ¾ cup shredded | Melts into gooey goodness |
Sun-dried tomatoes | ½ cup chopped | Adds tangy sweetness |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | For searing and baking |
Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon | Boosts savory flavor |
Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon | For herbaceous depth |
Salt and black pepper | To taste | Essential for balance |
Toothpicks or kitchen twine | As needed | To secure the stuffed pockets |
(Optional extras: Fresh basil or parsley for a bright finish.)
Ingredient Tip:
Choose thicker chicken breasts to create a proper pocket for the stuffing.
How to Make the Easiest Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Use a sharp knife to cut a deep pocket horizontally into the thickest side of each chicken breast.
Be careful not to slice all the way through. - Season the inside and outside of each breast with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Pro Tip:
Seasoning the inside ensures the flavor seeps into every bite.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
- Fill each pocket with baby spinach, mozzarella cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Press the filling gently inside without overpacking.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the opening.
Why Secure the Pocket?
It helps keep all that delicious filling right where it belongs while the chicken cooks.
Step 3: Sear and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Quick Check:
Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling) to check doneness.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
- Remove chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove toothpicks or twine.
- Slice on a slight diagonal to reveal the beautiful, cheesy filling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley if desired.
Presentation Tip:
Slice carefully with a sharp knife to keep the filling inside and showcase the colorful layers.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Looks and tastes gourmet without complicated techniques.
- Family Approved: Kids and adults alike love the melty cheese and tender chicken.
- Endless Flavor Combos: Change up the cheese, veggies, or even add a touch of spice.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Great for healthy eating plans while still feeling indulgent.
- Great for Meal Prep: Reheats well for a quick lunch or dinner.
Flavor Variations for Stuffed Chicken Breast
Cheese and Herb Stuffed Chicken
- Swap mozzarella for cream cheese mixed with chives, parsley, and a touch of lemon zest.
- Adds a fresh, rich flavor perfect for spring or summer menus.
Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken
- Replace mozzarella with crumbled feta.
- Add chopped kalamata olives, spinach, and a few thin strips of roasted red pepper.
- Serve with a side of couscous or Greek salad.
Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken
- After stuffing, wrap each chicken breast with two slices of bacon.
- Sear as directed, then bake until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
Flavor Tip:
The smoky bacon adds even more moisture and a savory punch to the dish.
Best Sides to Serve with Stuffed Chicken Breast
- Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Quick to roast and packed with flavor.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Classic pairing for comfort food nights.
- Cauliflower Rice Pilaf: Light, fluffy, and low-carb.
- Lemon Butter Asparagus: Bright and fresh to cut through the richness.
- Simple Garden Salad: Crisp greens with a lemon vinaigrette complement the stuffed chicken beautifully.
Serving Tip:
Keep sides simple to let the stuffed chicken be the star of the plate.
How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Chicken Breast

- Store: Place leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 15–20 minutes.
- Freeze: Stuff and freeze raw chicken breasts for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
Reheating Tip:
Add a tablespoon of water to the baking dish when reheating to keep the chicken moist.
Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe Nutrition Facts
(Per stuffed breast, approximate)
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | 410 |
Protein | 38g |
Carbohydrates | 6g |
Fat | 26g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 2g |
(Values may vary depending on specific brands and ingredient amounts.)
FAQs About This Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
How do I keep the filling inside stuffed chicken breast?
Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the pocket, and avoid overstuffing.
Searing also helps “seal” the chicken before baking.
What cheese works best for stuffed chicken breast recipes?
Mozzarella is a classic, but provolone, goat cheese, feta, or even sharp cheddar all work well depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make this stuffed chicken breast recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
What temperature should stuffed chicken breast be cooked to?
Always cook stuffed chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat.
Conclusion: Your 30-Minute Stuffed Chicken Breast Dream Dinner
After making this easy and juicy stuffed chicken breast recipe once, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.
It’s fast, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable for whatever’s hiding in your fridge or pantry.
I love knowing that even on the busiest nights, I can still put a beautiful, satisfying meal on the table that makes everyone smile.
And the best part? It looks like you spent hours in the kitchen—your secret is safe with me.
Grab your skillet, a few simple ingredients, and let’s make dinner magic happen tonight!
Print
Easy and Juicy Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe – Ready in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Perfect Stuffed Chicken Breast is a savory, protein-packed main dish featuring juicy chicken filled with melty mozzarella, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. Seared to golden perfection and baked to juicy tenderness, it’s a simple yet elegant dinner option.
Ingredients
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thick breasts ideal for stuffing)
- 1 cup baby spinach (fresh is best; lightly sautéed optional)
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (melts into gooey goodness)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (adds tangy sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing and baking)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (boosts savory flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (for herbaceous depth)
- Salt and black pepper to taste (essential for balance)
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine as needed (to secure the stuffed pockets)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
- In a bowl, combine spinach, mozzarella, and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the mixture and secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Season the outside of the chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sear each chicken breast for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks or twine before eating.
Notes
- Use thick chicken breasts for easier stuffing and even cooking.
- Lightly sautéing the spinach can reduce moisture and help it pack into the chicken more easily.
- Add red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
- Can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: Stuffed Chicken Breast, Easy Chicken Dinner, Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken, Spinach Stuffed Chicken