Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe

There's something magical about making easy meals using Thanksgiving leftovers, when the last thing you want to do is cook! This Simple Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe delivers all the comforts of a classic home cooked meal, using leftovers or a my quick, healthy, homemade stuffing recipe! Juicy chicken breasts & a savory stuffing mixture made with gluten-free bread, fresh rosemary, pecans, celery, and onion. Perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or the day after Thanksgiving-this dish combines ease, flavor, and a bit of flair. With a focus on whole ingredients, and boneless skinless chicken breasts, it's the perfect healthy recipe the day after a holiday or when you're craving a cozy home cooked meal!

Check out my Grilled Boneless Chicken Thighs Recipe

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How to Make Simple Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing

This recipe is really easy whether you whip up a quick batch of my easy stuffing or you're using leftovers. All you'll need is some chicken breast, stuffing, salt & pepper!

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts 
• 2-3 Cups Stuffing

Stuffing Ingredients

• 2 Cups Gluten Free Bread cubed
• 1 Cup Celery chopped
• 1 Yellow Onion Chopped
• 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
• 2 Eggs
• ¼ Cup EVO
• 2 Tablespoons Garlic
• 2 Tablespoons Rosemary fresh
• 1 Teaspoon Salt
• 1 Teaspoon Pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Grease a large baking dish with a light coating of olive oil.

Prepare the stuffing if you aren't using leftover stuffing

Chop the celery and onions into small pieces. Get out a large nonstick pan, add a drizzle of olive oil, and the chopped celery, onions, garlic, rosemary, and pecans. Sauté on medium heat until the veggies are soft. Cube the gluten-free bread and add to a bowl. Whisk the eggs, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, then pour them over the bread mixture. Add the bread mixture to the pan and cook for another 5 minutes to fully cook the eggs. If you're feeling festive, stir in some dried cranberries for a hint of sweetness.

Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly the chicken breasts, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the stuffing mixture into each chicken breast pocket, packing it tightly but ensuring it doesn't overflow. Secure the edges with toothpicks if needed.

Bake to Perfection & Enjoy!

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Tips for The Best Stuffing Stuffed Chicken Breast

Creating the perfect Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe is so simple, but these tips will help make your dish turn out perfectly every time.

Use Uniform Chicken Breasts: Choose boneless skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness to ensure even cooking. If your chicken breasts are too thick, you can pound them slightly to create a uniform thickness before butterflying.

Don't Overstuff the Chicken: While it's tempting to pack in as much stuffing as possible, overstuffing can cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Aim to fill the chicken pockets just enough to close them securely.

If your chicken breasts don't stay closed, secure them with toothpicks or wrap them gently with kitchen twine. Don't forget to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving!

Keep the Stuffing Moist: If the stuffing mixture feels dry, add a bit more chicken broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a moist but not soggy consistency. This prevents the stuffing from drying out during baking.

Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your stuffed chicken breasts. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken (not the stuffing) to ensure it reaches 165°F. Chicken is generally safe to eat when it reaches this temperature.

Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs can work in a pinch, fresh rosemary and garlic elevate the flavor of the stuffing. If you don't have rosemary, fresh thyme or sage make excellent substitutes.

Alternative Ingredients for Your Stuffed Chicken Breasts

One of the best things about this Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you're accommodating dietary restrictions or want to try something new, here are some alternative ingredients that work beautifully!

Bread Alternatives for Stuffing

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, replace the bread with riced cauliflower.
• Wild Rice: Use cooked wild rice for a nutty, hearty stuffing option.

Proteins

• Turkey Breast: Swap chicken for turkey breast for a holiday-inspired twist.
• Pork Chops: Use thick-cut pork chops instead of chicken breasts for a flavorful variation.

Flavor Enhancers

• Dried Fruits: Add chopped dried cranberries, apricots, or golden raisins for a hint of sweetness.
• Cheese: Incorporate shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, feta or a creamy goat cheese for extra richness.
• Nuts: Use walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds in place of pecans for crunch and a unique flavor.

Vegetables

• Leeks: Swap onions for chopped leeks for a milder, more delicate onion flavor.
• Carrots: Grate carrots into the stuffing for an added touch of sweetness.
• Bell Peppers: Dice bell peppers to add vibrant color and a fresh, crunchy texture to the stuffing mixture.

Herbs and Seasonings

• Thyme or Sage: Use these instead of rosemary to change the herbal profile of your dish.
• Smoked Paprika: Add a smoky depth to your stuffing with a sprinkle of smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides will transform it into a well-rounded meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: A side of roasted Brussels sprouts is the perfect complement to stuffed chicken breasts. Toss halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze before roasting at 400°F for 40 minutes.

Garlic Potatoes: Serve creamy garlic potatoes alongside your chicken for a classic comfort food pairing.

Steamed Green Beans: Add a pop of color and crunch with steamed green beans seasoned with a bit of lemon zest and olive oil, then top them in roasted pecans. My green bean casserole recipe goes beautifully with this recipe as well!

Honey-Glazed Carrots: Roast baby carrots with a drizzle of honey and a pinch of cinnamon for a sweet and savory side dish that pairs beautifully with the stuffing.

Cranberry Sauce: If you've included dried cranberries in the stuffing, serving cranberry sauce on the side ties all the flavors together for a holiday-inspired meal.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes: For a slightly sweet addition, roast sweet potato wedges with olive oil, cinnamon, and paprika. Their natural sweetness complements the herbs in the stuffing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I butterfly a chicken breast for stuffing?
To butterfly a chicken breast, place it on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to carefully slice through the side of the breast, stopping just before cutting it in half. Open it like a book to create a pocket for stuffing.

How long should I bake stuffed chicken breasts?
Bake stuffed chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff the chicken breasts and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for meal prep or entertaining.

Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?
Yes. Stuff the chicken breasts and freeze them raw on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

What is the best way to check if the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken breast. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.

Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for breasts. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may cook faster than chicken breasts.

Can I use store-bought stuffing mix?
Yes, a store-bought stuffing mix works well if you're short on time, just be sure it meets your dietary needs. Customize it with fresh herbs or add-ins like celery and onion to boost the flavor.

How do I keep the chicken moist while baking?
If you're really worried about the moisture, cover the baking dish with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking, or baste the chicken with olive oil halfway through cooking.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! This recipe is actually already dairy-free!

Enjoy!

This Simple Chicken Breast Stuffed with Stuffing Recipe is an easy & flavorful holiday or post holiday dish! With its customizable stuffing and easy preparation, I hope you love it. Pair it with your favorite sides, and you've got a meal everyone will love. Enjoy!

Have the sweetest day & tag me on Instagram when you make this recipe! @entirelyemmy

📖 Recipe