Easy Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious family meal, Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese is an absolute winner. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with savory ham and melty cheese inside, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s both simple to prepare and impressively flavorful. Perfect for any weeknight dinner, this dish blends textures and tastes beautifully to keep everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings without sacrificing taste.
• Classic Flavor Combination: The timeless mix of ham and cheese paired with chicken never fails to satisfy.
• Moist and Juicy Chicken: Stuffing the chicken keeps it tender and full of flavor, preventing dryness.
• Family Friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a balanced meal.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal flavor preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, familiar ingredients that work together to create a comforting and savory dish. Each component plays a vital role in the flavor and texture you’ll enjoy.

• Chicken breasts: Choose medium-sized, boneless, skinless breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking.
• Ham slices: Thinly sliced deli ham adds a smoky, salty element that pairs perfectly with cheese.
• Cheese: Swiss or mozzarella are excellent choices to melt smoothly inside the chicken pockets.
• Olive oil or butter: Used to sear the chicken and add richness during cooking.
• Salt and pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance overall flavors.
• Dried herbs (optional): Thyme or oregano add a subtle earthy note without overpowering the dish.

Variations for Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese

Feel free to make this recipe your own! There are plenty of easy variations that let you personalize the flavors, accommodate dietary preferences, or just shake things up a bit.

• Swap the cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles and textures.
• Use prosciutto instead of ham: This gives a more delicate and intense salty flavor with a crisp finish.
• Go low-carb: Skip breading and serve with a fresh salad or steamed veggies for a lighter meal.
• Add fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley into the filling for a fresh burst of flavor.
• Spicy kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or swap ordinary cheese for pepper jack.

How to Make Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by carefully slicing each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will hold the ham and cheese inside securely.

Step 2: Stuff the Chicken

Insert one or two slices of ham and enough cheese to generously fill the pocket. Close the chicken breast around the filling, pressing gently to seal the edges.

Step 3: Season and Sear

Lightly season the stuffed breasts with salt, pepper, and optional dried herbs. Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat, then sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes each side.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and the cheese is melted inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing, helping retain juicy, tender meat and preventing all the flavors from escaping.

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese

• Use a sharp knife: To create a clean pocket in the chicken without tearing the meat.
• Don’t overstuff: Keep the filling moderate so the chicken can be sealed and cooks evenly.
• Secure with toothpicks: If needed, use toothpicks to keep the chicken closed during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer: Aim for 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through but still juicy.
• Rest before slicing: Resting the chicken after cooking helps redistribute its juices for moist bites.

How to Serve Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a light drizzle of balsamic reduction adds visual appeal and a flavor lift without overpowering the main dish.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the stuffed chicken breasts.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the chicken diagonally to showcase the melting cheese and ham inside, stacking pieces slightly for a beautiful plating presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Make sure to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing

Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) to prevent drying out. Microwave reheating works, but may cause uneven heating and less juicy texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be stuffed and cooked similarly, offering a juicier and slightly more flavorful alternative.

What cheese melts best inside the chicken?

Swiss, mozzarella, and provolone are great melting cheeses that provide creaminess without overpowering the ham.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out?

Make sure to securely close the chicken pocket and avoid overfilling. Using toothpicks can help keep everything sealed during cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the cheese with a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely and focus on seasoning for flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead for a dinner party?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook, making dinner prep stress-free.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Ham and Cheese is one of those dishes that feels like a comforting hug on your plate — easy to make, full of irresistible flavor, and sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a simple, yet impressive, meal that will keep everyone coming back for more.

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