Get ready to transform your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with the ultimate comfort food mashup that will make your taste buds dance! 🔥 Our Pepper Jack Stuffing Chicken is not just another bland chicken recipe - it's a flavor explosion that combines the creamy, spicy kick of pepper jack cheese with perfectly seasoned stuffing, all wrapped up in a juicy chicken breast. Imagine cutting into a tender chicken breast and watching melted cheese and savory stuffing ooze out - this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to meal that'll have everyone at the dinner table begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup stuffing mix
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, combine the stuffing mix with chopped onions and chicken broth. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow the stuffing to absorb the liquid and soften.
- Using a sharp knife, create a deep pocket in each chicken breast by cutting horizontally into the thickest part of the meat, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each chicken breast pocket generously with the prepared stuffing mixture, pressing gently to ensure it's packed well.
- Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the top of each stuffed chicken breast, allowing some to fall into the stuffing pocket.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the top of the chicken to help create a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips
- Choose chicken breasts of uniform size to ensure even cooking
- Use a sharp knife and cut chicken pockets carefully to prevent tearing
- Don't overstuff the chicken - leave some room for cheese to melt
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and allow cheese to set
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the stuffing mix
- If you prefer less spice, substitute pepper jack with mild cheddar cheese
- Ensure stuffing is slightly moist before stuffing to prevent dry chicken
- For a crispy top, you can briefly broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 291kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 80mg
