Chicken Stuffed With Cheese
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with melty Monterey Jack cheese, coated in seasoned bread crumbs, making a savory and crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Make a slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket for the cheese.
- Stuff each chicken breast with Monterey Jack cheese and secure with wooden toothpicks.
- Brush each stuffed chicken breast with a dab of margarine.
- Beat the egg in a shallow bowl.
- Place flour in a separate shallow dish.
- Place seasoned bread crumbs in another shallow dish.
- Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with flour.
- Next, coat with seasoned bread crumbs, pressing them onto the chicken to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing herbs like thyme or basil into the cheese stuffing. If you don't have Monterey Jack, any mild cheese like mozzarella or cheddar can work well as substitutes. Ensure the chicken is pounded to an even thickness for more even cooking, similar to techniques used in American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chicken stuffed with cheese alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a side of mashed potatoes or rice pilaf. For a delightful variation, consider serving with a dipping sauce or a light lemon vinaigrette to enhance the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, place the stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through, to maintain its crispy coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Stuffed With Cheese contains roughly 509 calories, with 12g protein, 79g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (208% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (129% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. It also contributes 43g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these chicken breasts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time. After coating them, cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust the baking time if they are coming straight from the fridge.
What can I do if I don't have bread crumbs?
If you don't have seasoned bread crumbs, you can use crushed crackers or panko as a substitute. Alternatively, you can make your own by blending stale bread with herbs and spices for a fresh option.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink in the center.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).