Heavenly Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Craving a mouthwatering ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast that promises to delight your taste buds?

Culinary magic happens when you blend savory ham with melted cheese inside tender chicken.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of protein and flavor that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can master this recipe with ease.

Simple ingredients come together to create a meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.

Grab your apron and let this recipe become your new go-to comfort food solution.

What Makes Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast So Good

• Crush Kitchen Complexity: Super simple steps anyone can master, even if you're not a cooking pro. No fancy techniques or complicated equipment needed.
• Speed Meal Magic: Quick preparation and cooking process means you'll have a delicious dinner ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with classic flavor combinations that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal family dinner option that satisfies everyone's taste buds.
• Protein-Packed Perfection: Delivers a nutritious meal featuring lean chicken breast combined with protein-rich ham and cheese, supporting healthy eating goals without sacrificing taste.

Ingredients for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breast: A tender cut of poultry that serves as the primary base for this stuffed recipe.

• Ham, Shredded Cheese: A savory combination that creates a delicious and melty filling inside the chicken breast.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the chicken.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that bring out the natural taste of the meat.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for searing the chicken and creating a golden-brown exterior.
• Fresh Parsley: A fresh herb that adds a bright garnish and subtle herbal note to the finished dish.

Directions for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C) to create the perfect cooking environment for your chicken adventure.

Step 2: Craft The Chicken Pocket

Take your chicken breasts and gently slice a horizontal pocket along one side. Use a sharp knife and move carefully to avoid cutting completely through the meat.

Step 3: Shower With Seasonings

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cover both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts generously.

Step 4: Create Cheesy Ham Haven

• Ham slices
• Shredded cheese

Pack the filling generously to ensure maximum deliciousness.

Step 5: Sizzle And Brown

Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place stuffed chicken breasts into the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Rest And Garnish

Remove skillet from oven. Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Step 8: Savor The Moment

Slice and serve your mouth-watering ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast. Enjoy every incredible bite!

Handy Tips for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Slice Carefully: Create a pocket in chicken breasts without cutting through, ensuring even stuffing and preventing filling from leaking during cooking.
• Choose Quality Cheese: Select melting cheeses like mozzarella or provolone for optimal gooey texture and rich flavor in your stuffed chicken.
• Control Moisture: Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming instead of browning.
• Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary to add personal flair and enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.

Fun Fillings for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace ham with prosciutto and use feta cheese with oregano and thyme for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Low-Carb Protein Boost: Swap cheese with cottage cheese and use turkey ham to create a lighter protein-packed alternative that reduces overall calories.
• Spicy Southwest Swap: Incorporate pepper jack cheese, add diced green chiles, and use smoked turkey instead of traditional ham for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternative, replace ham with grilled zucchini strips, and season with nutritional yeast for similar cheesy taste without dairy components.

Great Matches for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Pair this ham and cheese stuffed chicken with crisp white wines like Chardonnay that complement the richness of the dish.
• Wine Harmony: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy cheese and salty ham without overpowering the chicken's delicate taste.
• Vegetable Companions: Roast asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon zest to cut through the chicken's richness and add fresh, bright notes to the plate.
• Potato Perfect Match: Create a side of rosemary roasted baby potatoes that absorb the chicken's savory juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast to the tender stuffed breast.

Storage Advice for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual chicken breasts in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F throughout.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

FAQs for Ham Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

• What cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella are perfect choices. They melt beautifully and provide rich, creamy flavor inside the chicken breast.

• Can I use turkey ham instead of regular ham?

Absolutely! Turkey ham is a great lean protein alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. It will taste just as delicious and provide similar texture.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. When it reaches 165°F (75°C), your chicken is safe to eat. The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially ham and cheese, are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.

Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich ham and cheese stuffed chicken breast delivers a mouthwatering fusion of classic flavors, promising a delightful main course. Crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior make this dish an irresistible centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 slices of ham
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Swiss or cheddar)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the chicken breasts.
2. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and create a horizontal pocket by carefully slicing along one side without cutting completely through.
3. Generously season the interior and exterior of each chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
4. Carefully insert ham slices and shredded cheese into the created pockets, ensuring a generous and even distribution of filling.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior.
6. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove the skillet from the oven, allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture and redistribute internal juices.
8. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, presenting a visually appealing and flavorful main course.

Notes

• Customize the cheese selection by using different types like Swiss, provolone, or gouda for varied flavor profiles.
• Consider using low-fat ham and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this dish for health-conscious eaters.
• Ensure chicken is pounded evenly before creating the pocket to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Prevent cheese leakage by securing the chicken pocket with toothpicks during searing and baking, removing them before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg