A Savory Delight: Chicken Breast Stuffed with Ham and Cheese
This dish, Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast, combines the richness of melted cheese, the savory goodness of soft chicken, and the wonderful saltiness of ham in a straightforward yet delectable way. For those seeking a quick and simple meal without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is ideal. This meal is likely to be a hit whether you serve it for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.
Reasons This Recipe Will Be Great for You
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is ideal for hectic evenings and is simple to create with only a few ingredients.
- Comfort Food: This meal is gratifying and comfortable because it combines delicious ham and creamy cheese with delicate chicken.
- Versatile: This recipe goes well with a range of sides, including a simple salad, mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies.
- Kid-Friendly: This is a family-friendly choice since the cheesy, meaty filling will appeal to both children and adults.
Here’s the Recipe Card for Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast:
Recipe Card: Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast
| Recipe Name | Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 30-35 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Cuisine | American / Comfort Food |
| Dish Type | Main Course |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Thinly sliced ham | 4 slices |
| Cheese (Swiss, cheddar, or mozzarella) | 1 cup, shredded |
| Breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil or butter | 2 tbsp |
| Mustard (optional) | 1 tbsp (for added flavor) |
| Fresh herbs (optional) | 1 tsp, chopped (e.g., parsley or thyme) |
Instructions
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 2 | Flatten the chicken breasts with a meat mallet to 1/2-inch thickness. |
| 3 | Place a slice of ham and cheese on each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges. Optionally, spread a little mustard inside. |
| 4 | Roll up the chicken tightly and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine. |
| 5 | In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each stuffed chicken breast with the breadcrumb mixture. |
| 6 | Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken roll for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. |
| 7 | Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). |
| 8 | Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine. Serve and enjoy! |
Serving Suggestions
| Side Dishes | Drinks |
|---|---|
| Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice | White wine, sparkling water, or iced tea |
| A side salad with greens and vinaigrette | Lemonade or a refreshing iced tea |
| Garlic bread or sautéed spinach | Light beer or a fruity mocktail |
Tips for Success
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Use Thinly Sliced Ham | Thin slices will roll up better and melt with the cheese. |
| Secure the Chicken Well | Ensure the chicken is tightly rolled and secured to prevent the filling from spilling out. |
| Monitor Internal Temperature | The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. |
| Experiment with Cheese | Try different cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar, for variety. |
| Oven-Baking Option | You can bake the chicken at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes if preferred. |
Enjoy your Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Important Components and Their Functions
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The tasty filling is carried by and supported by the chicken. Its subtle taste lets the ham and cheese take center stage.
- Ham : Thinly sliced ham gives the meal a salty, savory component that goes well with the cheese.
- Cheese: Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar cheese can be used. Because Swiss melts smoothly and has a mild, creamy flavor, it is frequently chosen.
The chicken is coated with breadcrumbs, which give it a golden, crispy surface that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy mixture within. - Herbs and Spices: Basic seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a dash of Italian spice give the food a rich flavor.
Detailed Directions
1. Get the chicken breasts ready
To begin, sandwich the chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper or plastic wrap. Pound the chicken gently until it is about 1/2 inch thick. This gives the stuffing a good surface and guarantees that the chicken cooks evenly.
2. Get the Filling Ready
Place ham slices on top of the chicken breasts that have been flattened. Next, top with a liberal amount of the cheese of your choosing. To prevent the contents from spilling out while cooking, leave a thin border around the borders. You may also add some fresh herbs or a dash of mustard to the filling for extra taste.
3. Secure the chicken by rolling it
Make sure the filling stays inside each chicken breast as you carefully roll it up. Use kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure the ends. As the chicken cooks, this will help hold the filling in place.
4. Put the chicken in the mud.
Combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture onto each packed chicken breast to guarantee a uniform coating.
The fifth step is to cook the chicken.
In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium-high heat. The breadcrumbs should be brown and crispy after 4–5 minutes of cooking the chicken breasts carefully in the pan. Reduce the heat and cover the skillet once both sides are seared. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) after 8 to 10 more minutes of cooking. If you’d like, you can also finish cooking the chicken in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
6. Take a Break and Serve”
After the chicken is cooked through, take off the string or toothpicks. To preserve the chicken’s juices, let it sit for a few minutes. Cut through the chicken to expose the mouthwatering stuffing of melted cheese and ham. Serve right away and savor!
The Reasons This Recipe Is Effective
One of the most popular flavors is combined in Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast. The soft chicken contains a flavorful, creamy interior, and the golden, crispy outside adds a delightful crunch. This recipe, which is easy to make, is the ideal combination of gourmet and comfort cuisine. The ham adds just the proper amount of salty richness, and the cheese melts delightfully inside the chicken.
This recipe is adaptable enough for any occasion, whether you’re preparing food for a family supper, entertaining guests, or meal prep. It is an amazing dinner that is stress-free due to its minimal components and easy preparation method.
Enjoy preparing this delectable Ham and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast and see it quickly become a new dinnertime favorite!
