Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the joy of making crispy stuffed breaded chicken! There’s just something so satisfying about biting into that golden, crunchy exterior to reveal a warm, savory filling of spinach and creamy cheese. It’s like a hug on a plate! I remember the first time I made this dish for my family—everyone gathered around the table, forks at the ready, and the smiles on their faces as they took their first bites were just priceless. Trust me, once you get the hang of this stuffed breaded chicken recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. It’s that good!
Ingredients List
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
How to Prepare Stuffed Breaded Chicken
Prepping the Chicken
First things first, let’s butterfly those chicken breasts. This just means cutting them horizontally, but not all the way through, so they open up like a book. This gives you more room for all that delicious filling! Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Seriously, don’t skimp on the seasoning—it makes all the difference in flavor!
Making the Filling
Now, let’s whip up that filling! In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, and shredded mozzarella. Give it a good mix until everything is nicely blended together. You want it to be creamy and dreamy, with those spinach bits evenly distributed. Trust me, this filling will take your chicken to the next level!
Stuffing and Coating
Time to stuff that chicken! Spoon the cheesy spinach mixture into the center of each breast, then fold it over and secure it with toothpicks to keep all that goodness inside. Now, let’s coat the chicken! Dredge each piece in flour first, shaking off any excess, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s evenly coated for that perfect crunch!
Cooking the Chicken
Grab a frying pan and heat up some oil over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that a breadcrumb sizzles when it hits the oil. Fry the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. Then, transfer the chicken to a baking dish and pop it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes. This will ensure it cooks through and stays juicy. When it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You’ll want to dig in right away, but trust me, waiting just a bit makes a world of difference!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your stuffed breaded chicken turns out perfectly every time!
- Herb it up: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs in your filling! Fresh basil, parsley, or even a bit of dill can elevate the flavor dramatically.
- Hot oil is key: Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. This helps achieve that crispy, golden crust you’re after! You can test it by dropping in a small piece of bread—if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
- Let it rest: After baking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it nice and moist.
- Make-ahead magic: You can prepare the stuffed chicken a few hours in advance. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry and bake. It saves time and is perfect for busy days!
- Serve with flair: Pair it with a side salad or roasted veggies. Not only do they look beautiful on the plate, but they also add a nice freshness that complements the rich chicken.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying delicious stuffed breaded chicken, it’s nice to know what you’re putting on your plate! Here are the typical nutritional values for one serving, which is about one piece of this mouthwatering dish. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on standard ingredients and can vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods.
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg
So, now you can enjoy your crispy stuffed breaded chicken with a little peace of mind, knowing it’s a satisfying and balanced meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, feel free to swap out the mozzarella for something like cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure it melts well!
What can I use instead of spinach?
If spinach isn’t your thing, you can try using kale or even cooked and chopped broccoli. Just make sure to sauté them lightly before mixing with the cheese to soften them up a bit.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed breaded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it up!
Can I freeze stuffed breaded chicken?
Yes, you can! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep well for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What’s the best way to reheat it?
To reheat, I recommend placing it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps keep that delicious crispy texture intact!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stuffed breaded chicken might look fancy, but it’s actually super simple to make! Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Flavor Explosion: The creamy, cheesy filling combined with the crispy coating creates an incredible flavor contrast. Each bite is a delightful surprise that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Customizable: Want to mix it up? You can easily swap out the spinach and cheese for your favorite veggies or cheeses. It’s a great way to use up what you have on hand!
- Impressive Presentation: Serve this dish at your next gathering, and watch your friends and family be wowed by how delicious it looks and tastes. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: You can make several batches ahead of time and freeze them for those busy days when you need a quick meal. Just pop them in the oven, and you’re good to go!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your crispy stuffed breaded chicken, the right sides can elevate the whole meal to a new level! Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement the rich flavors of the chicken beautifully.
- Light Salad: A fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. The crispness of the veggies and the zesty dressing cut through the richness of the chicken, providing a refreshing balance.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try serving it with a medley of roasted vegetables like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers. The caramelization from roasting adds a lovely sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory filling of the chicken.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for comfort food, creamy garlic mashed potatoes make an excellent side! Their smooth texture and buttery flavor are the perfect counterpart to the crispy exterior of the chicken.
- Steamed Asparagus: For a lighter option, steamed asparagus drizzled with a bit of lemon juice brings a bright, zesty flavor to the plate, enhancing the overall experience.
- Couscous or Quinoa: If you want to add some grains, a fluffy couscous or quinoa salad mixed with herbs, lemon, and a touch of olive oil offers a hearty yet light side that complements the stuffed chicken beautifully.
These sides not only enhance the flavors of your stuffed breaded chicken but also make for a colorful and inviting presentation on your dinner table. Enjoy your meal to the fullest!
Stuffed Breaded Chicken: 5 Joyful Tips for Perfection
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Crispy stuffed breaded chicken filled with savory ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks.
- Dredge the stuffed chicken in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the chicken to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add herbs to the cheese mixture.
- Serve with a side salad or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: stuffed breaded chicken, chicken recipe, baked chicken
