Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast
Juicy chicken breasts stuffed with ham and cheese, baked in a creamy celery sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or special occasions with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pound each chicken breast between wax paper until thin.
- Place one strip of cooked ham and a slice of cheddar cheese on each chicken breast.
- Roll up the chicken breasts, ensuring the cheese is completely covered, and secure with a toothpick.
- Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish.
- Mix the cream of celery soup, evaporated milk, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Cover the dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 1 hour.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cream sauce. If you're short on time, you can use deli ham instead of cooking your own. For a lighter version, swap the cream of celery soup with a homemade roux or a low-fat alternative. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Swiss or mozzarella for a different taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham stuffed chicken breasts with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Mashed potatoes or rice pair nicely with the creamy sauce, creating a comforting dinner. This dish also goes well with a refreshing side like a cucumber salad or pairs beautifully with Squash Casserole(From The Files Of Kay Merritt).
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham Stuffed Chicken Breast contains roughly 443 calories, with 32g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 32g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 719mg per serving (31% of the Daily Value).
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 this dish in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Just pour the sauce over them before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, making for an even tastier meal when you're ready to bake.
What can I use instead of cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce. Simply blend flour, butter, and milk to create a creamy base, adding in sautéed celery for flavor if desired.
Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
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).