Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken

$- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference) For this stuffed chicken, I choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They are easy to work with and cook quickly. The creamy filling features pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick and cream cheese for smoothness. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor, while jalapeño gives it that extra heat. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste To make the cheese filling pop, I use garlic powder and onion powder. They boost the flavor without being overpowering. Smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky taste. I always use salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors in the dish. - 2 tablespoons olive oil for moisture - 1 cup breadcrumbs for crispy texture For the coating, I drizzle olive oil over the breadcrumbs. This keeps the outside moist while giving it a nice crunch. The breadcrumbs provide that satisfying crispy texture, making each bite delightful. {{ingredient_image_1}} To make the cheese filling, you need to mix several ingredients. In a bowl, combine: - 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1 tablespoon jalapeño, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste Stir these items well until they blend into a smooth mixture. This filling adds a creamy and spicy kick to your chicken. Next, you need to prepare the chicken. Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and create a pocket. Slice it horizontally, but be careful not to cut all the way through. This pocket will hold the cheese mixture. Make sure you do this gently to keep the chicken intact. Now it’s time to stuff the chicken. Use a spoon to fill each pocket with the cheese mixture. You can secure the opening with toothpicks if needed. This step ensures that the filling stays inside while cooking. For the coating, mix breadcrumbs and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika on a plate. Roll each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil first, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture. This will give your chicken a crispy texture when cooked. You have two main steps to cook the chicken. First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown. After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This step ensures your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy. To keep your chicken juicy, follow these steps: - Choose good chicken: Use fresh, high-quality, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They hold moisture well. - Create pockets carefully: Slice the chicken to form pockets without cutting all the way through. This helps keep the filling inside. - Use a meat thermometer: Check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe and juicy. Searing the chicken before baking adds flavor and locks in moisture. Cook it until it's golden brown on both sides. For a beautiful dish, consider these presentation tips: - Use a colorful base: Serve the stuffed chicken on a bed of sautéed veggies or a fresh salad. - Add garnishes: Top with extra cilantro and slices of jalapeño for a vibrant look. This enhances the dish’s appeal and adds fresh flavor. - Plate neatly: Arrange the chicken neatly on the plate. This makes for an inviting meal that looks as good as it tastes. To store leftovers properly, follow these best practices: - Cool before storing: Let the chicken cool to room temperature before placing it in a container. - Use airtight containers: Store in airtight containers to maintain freshness. This helps prevent the chicken from drying out. - Refrigerate or freeze: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently to keep it juicy and tasty. Pro Tips Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked by using a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño according to your spice tolerance. For a milder flavor, you can omit it entirely or use less. Rest the Chicken: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps retain the juices, making the meat more tender and flavorful. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella for a different flavor profile in your stuffing. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. Cheddar and mozzarella are great choices. Cheddar gives a sharp taste, while mozzarella melts beautifully. You can also mix cheeses for fun flavors. Try using gouda or swiss for a twist. Each cheese brings its own unique taste and texture. Feel free to add more to the stuffing. Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms are tasty options. Chopped spinach adds color and nutrition. Diced bell peppers give crunch and sweetness. You can also try spices, like cumin or chili powder, for extra heat. Get creative and make it your own! You can cook this dish in different ways. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. Just preheat your grill and cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side. Air frying is another great option. It makes the chicken crispy without much oil. Cook it at 375°F for 20-25 minutes. Each method offers a unique taste and texture. Pepper jack stuffed chicken stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps the moisture in and the flavors strong. If you want to keep it even longer, consider freezing it instead. To freeze stuffed chicken, wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag or container. This protects it from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For the best taste, reheat the chicken in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave if you're in a hurry. Just remember to cover it to keep it moist. Yes, you can prepare Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prepping: - Stuff the Chicken: You can stuff the chicken breasts and seal them. - Refrigerate: Keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. - Freeze: If you want to make them even earlier, freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each breast well to avoid freezer burn. - Thawing: Remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking. This way, you save time on busy days while still enjoying a tasty meal. Pair your Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken with some great side dishes. Here are a few ideas: - Sautéed Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots work well. - Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad adds a nice crunch. - Rice or Quinoa: These grains balance the meal and soak up extra sauce. - Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting choice. These sides will enhance your meal and make it more filling. This recipe can be healthy with some tweaks. Here are a few nutritional considerations: - Lean Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a good source of protein. - Cheese Choices: You can use lower-fat cheese or reduce the amount of cheese to cut calories. - Add Veggies: Consider adding spinach or mushrooms to the stuffing for added nutrients. - Healthy Cooking: Use less oil or bake instead of frying to make it lighter. With these small changes, you can enjoy a delicious dish that fits your health goals. You learned how to make delicious Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken today. We covered the main ingredients, spices, and cooking methods. I shared tips on keeping the chicken juicy and how to serve it nicely. You can try different cheeses or add vegetables for a twist. Remember to store leftovers properly for later meals. With these tips and ideas, you can make this dish fun and tasty. Enjoy cooking and impressing your family and friends with your new skills!$

Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken

Delicious chicken breasts stuffed with a spicy cheese mixture and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
0.5 cup cream cheese, softened
0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon jalapeño, finely chopped
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the shredded pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, chopped cilantro, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Take each chicken breast and create a pocket by slicing it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff each chicken breast generously with the cheese mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
On a plate, combine the breadcrumbs and smoked paprika. Roll each stuffed chicken breast in olive oil, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture to ensure an even crust.
Heat the remaining olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for another 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, and then slice for serving.

Notes

Serve the stuffed chicken on a bed of sautéed vegetables or alongside a fresh salad. Garnish with extra cilantro and slices of jalapeño for a colorful finish.

Keyword cheese, chicken, pepper jack, spicy, stuffed