As a busy parent, I always look for easy dinner recipes. They must please everyone without taking too long. One night, I found leftover ham and cheese in the fridge. A great idea struck me!
Why not mix these with chicken? That’s how I started loving ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast. It became a hit at our family dinners. It’s juicy, tasty, and simple to make. Plus, it impresses anyone who comes over.
What Makes Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast a Must-Try Dish
The ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast is a hit. It mixes tender chicken with tasty smoked ham and gooey fontina cheese. This makes a gourmet dish that’s full of protein and tastes great.
It’s easy to make, ready in 30 minutes and takes 40 minutes total. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you have guests. You can also change the stuffing to fit your taste. Adding Italian seasoned bread crumbs and basil pesto makes it even better.
This dish looks as good as it tastes. Its crispy outside and savory inside make it a standout. People love it, giving it 4.61 out of 5 stars from 41 votes. Serving it with veggies or a salad makes it even better.
Ingredients for the Best Stuffed Chicken Breast
When I make homemade stuffed chicken breast, I pick the best ingredients. A great recipe needs quality parts to taste good. Here’s what you need and some extra things to make it even better.
Essential Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of ham (2 slices per chicken breast)
- 4 slices of Swiss cheese (1 slice per chicken breast)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Seasonings: paprika and garlic powder
- Mustard cream sauce ingredients: heavy cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
Want to make your stuffed chicken breast special? Try these extra ingredients:
- Smoked ham for a deeper flavor
- Different cheese varieties such as Provolone or cheddar
- Herbs and spices like thyme or additional paprika for an added kick
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture, creating a more traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu style
With these ingredients, I’m excited to stuff those chicken breasts. The mix of creamy cheese and savory ham is perfect for any meal.
How to Prepare the Chicken for Stuffing
Preparing chicken for stuffing makes the dish taste better and look great. Start by picking big, even boneless skinless chicken breasts. This makes stuffing easier and looks better.
Then, gently pound each breast to make them the same thickness. This helps them cook evenly and thoroughly.
After that, make a pocket in each breast for the filling. Cut into the thickest part but don’t cut all the way through. This keeps the filling inside while cooking.
To keep the filling in, use toothpicks to close the pockets. Stuff them with cooked diced ham, fresh spinach, and Swiss cheese. This keeps everything together and makes the chicken look nice when it’s done.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Stuffing Chicken Breasts
Making a tasty ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast is easy. Just follow my simple recipe. You’ll get a delicious result.
Cutting the Chicken to Create the Pocket
Start by getting your chicken ready. You need to cut a pocket but not all the way through. Here’s how:
- Put the chicken breast flat on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut horizontally from the thickest part. Aim for the other side, but stop an inch short.
- This way, you make a pocket that keeps the filling in.
How to Fill the Chicken with Ham and Cheese
Now, fill the pocket. Here’s how to stuff it right:
- Use one slice of ham and one slice of Swiss cheese for each breast.
- Put the ham slice in the pocket, then the cheese. This mix of flavors is great.
- Press the chicken together gently to keep the filling inside.
- Season the outside with garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil for extra taste.
By following these steps, you’ll make stuffed chicken breasts that wow everyone. Now, you’re ready to cook them to perfection!
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Understanding the best way to cook chicken breasts is key. The Sous Vide method is great for this. It makes sure the chicken is tender and juicy.
I season each chicken breast with salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Then, I pre-cook the stuffing. This could be mushrooms, bacon, or garlic. I make a slit in the chicken to fill it with ham and cheese.
After stuffing, I vacuum seal the chicken. I cook it in the Sous Vide at 140°F (60°C) for three hours. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
For a golden crust, I sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil. Then, I make a sauce with butter and garlic. This sauce is perfect for drizzling over the chicken.
Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Cooking Time and Temperature
When making ham and cheese stuffed chicken, it’s key to get the cooking right. First, heat your oven to 375°F. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy.
Before baking, sear the chicken. Cook each side over medium heat for about 6 minutes. This step keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. Then, put the chicken in the oven.
Bake the chicken for 15-20 more minutes. Always check if it’s done with a meat thermometer. It should be 165°F inside. This makes sure your meal is tasty and safe.
Here’s a quick guide to cooking stuffed chicken:
| Cooking Step | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Sear Chicken | Medium Heat | 6 minutes per side |
| Bake Chicken | 375°F | 15-20 minutes |
Don’t forget to store leftovers properly. Keep ham and cheese stuffed chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a tasty meal later.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Stuffed Chicken
Choosing the best cheese for stuffed chicken is key. Different cheeses can make the dish moist and tasty.
Mozzarella is great because it’s mild and creamy. It makes the chicken juicy and tastes good with it. Provolone is also good. It has a mild, tangy taste that goes well with chicken.
Parmesan adds a deep, umami flavor. It makes simple chicken dishes better. Ricotta is creamy and works well in stuffed chicken. Gouda, young or aged, adds sweet and nutty flavors to chicken.
Cheddar is sharp and bold. It adds a kick to the chicken’s flavor. Remember, the cheese should match the chicken and other ingredients.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Meltability |
|---|---|---|
| Mozzarella | Mild, creamy | Excellent |
| Provolone | Mild, slightly tangy | Excellent |
| Parmesan | Rich, umami | Good |
| Ricotta | Creamy | Good |
| Gouda | Sweet, nutty | Very good |
| Cheddar | Sharp, bold | Good |
Choosing the right cheese is key for a tasty ham and cheese stuffed chicken. With so many cheese options, I can find the perfect mix for a great meal.
Flavorful Seasoning Options for Stuffed Chicken Breast
Choosing the right seasonings is key for tasty stuffed chicken. I like trying different spices and herbs for my ham and cheese chicken. Salt and pepper are a good start, as they bring out the chicken’s natural taste.
Garlic and onion powder add a deep flavor that goes well with the filling. Paprika gives a smoky taste. Thyme or Italian seasoning add a nice aroma.
Want to make your chicken special? Try fresh herbs like basil or parsley. A bit of lemon zest adds a zesty touch. For some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes.
Seasoning options for stuffed chicken are very flexible. You can pick what you like best. Whether you prefer herbs or a savory mix, your chicken will be full of flavor.
Serving Suggestions for Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
Enjoying ham and cheese stuffed chicken is better with the right sides. I pick sides that make the meal richer and more fun. Here are some great ideas that go well together.
Pairing Side Dishes
For a complete meal, try these top chicken sides:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with gravy are a perfect match for savory chicken.
- Garlic Sautéed Vegetables: Colorful veggies sautéed in garlic add a fresh crunch.
- Caesar Salad: A tangy Caesar salad balances the stuffed chicken’s richness.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf with herbs makes a light and fluffy base.
Best Accompaniments for the Dish
To make your ham and cheese stuffed chicken even better, add these touches:
- Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.
- Drizzle of Sauce: Use leftover sauce to drizzle over sides for more flavor.
- Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up juices.
These ideas will turn your meal into a feast everyone will love. Try different flavors and find your favorite mix!
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftover Stuffed Chicken
Keeping stuffed chicken fresh is important. I store leftover chicken in airtight containers. This keeps it juicy and flavorful for up to 3-4 days.
If you have too much, freeze it. Frozen chicken stays good for up to 4 months.
Reheating chicken in the oven is best. Heat it to 325°F (162°C) and cover it with foil. This takes 15-20 minutes, depending on the chicken’s size.
Make sure it’s hot inside, at least 165°F (74°C). A food thermometer helps avoid drying out the chicken.
Thaw frozen chicken in the fridge before reheating. Always check for spoilage before heating. With the right steps, enjoying leftover chicken can be just as good as the first time!
