Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken

$To make Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken, gather these key ingredients. Each one adds flavor and texture to your dish. - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional) These ingredients are easy to find and combine well. The pepper jack cheese brings a nice kick. Cream cheese adds creaminess, and roasted red peppers give a sweet touch. Garlic and smoked paprika deepen the flavor. You can adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Olive oil is perfect for searing the chicken. Don't forget fresh cilantro for a pop of color. Grab these items, and you are ready to create a savory meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat Oven and Prepare Ingredients Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly. Gather all your ingredients. You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, roasted red peppers, garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Make the Stuffing Mixture In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded pepper jack cheese, softened cream cheese, chopped roasted red peppers, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a creamy filling. This mixture gives the chicken a rich and spicy flavor. - Prepare Chicken Breasts for Stuffing Take each chicken breast and slice a pocket into it. Be careful not to cut all the way through. You want enough space to hold the stuffing. Spoon the cheese mixture into each pocket. Make sure to fill them well. If the openings are too wide, use toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside. - Sear Stuffed Chicken in Skillet Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This step gives the chicken a nice golden color and enhances the flavor. - Bake Chicken in Oven After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. Use a meat thermometer if you want to be sure. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). - Resting and Serving Tips Once baked, remove the skillet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices settle. After resting, remove any toothpicks. Slice the stuffed chicken and serve it hot. If you like, add fresh cilantro on top for a burst of color and flavor. Enjoy this savory dish! Ensuring Even Cooking To cook your chicken evenly, choose breasts of similar size. If some pieces are thick, use a meat mallet to pound them thinner. This helps them cook at the same rate. Always check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Achieving the Perfect Sear For a great sear, heat your skillet before adding oil. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Place the chicken in the skillet gently, and do not move it for at least 4-5 minutes. This creates a nice crust. Flip it carefully to avoid losing the stuffing. Suggested Add-ins for the Stuffing You can make the stuffing even tastier by adding some extras. Try chopped spinach for color and nutrition. Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet, tangy flavor. You can also mix in some cooked bacon bits for a smoky taste that pairs well with the cheeses. Adjusting Spiciness Level If you want more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the stuffing. For less spice, use mild cheese or skip the pepper jack. You can also serve the chicken with a cool dip, like sour cream or yogurt, to balance the flavors. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cheese: For an extra kick, try adding a bit of cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese to the filling along with the pepper jack. Don’t Overstuff: Make sure to fill the chicken pockets generously but avoid overstuffing, as this can cause the filling to leak out during cooking. Perfect Sear: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust. Rest the Chicken: Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute for a juicier bite. {{image_2}} You can use many cheeses for this dish. If you want a milder flavor, try mozzarella. For a creamier texture, go with ricotta. If you crave a stronger taste, use sharp cheddar. Each cheese brings its own charm to the dish. Mixing cheeses can also create fun flavor profiles. Just make sure the cheese melts well. Adding veggies is a great way to enhance the stuffing. Spinach adds color and nutrients. Mushrooms bring an earthy taste. Even diced tomatoes can add freshness. You can also mix in corn for a bit of sweetness. Just chop them small so they fit well in the chicken pockets. Spice up your stuffing to match your taste. If you love heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. For a smoky flavor, include some chipotle powder. Mix in herbs like oregano or basil for a fresh twist. Experimenting with spices can make each meal unique and exciting. Refrigeration Tips After you enjoy your Pepper Jack stuffed chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to place it in the fridge within two hours of cooking. The chicken will stay fresh for up to three days. For best taste, try to eat it sooner rather than later. Freezing Instructions If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag. This way, it can last for up to three months. Just remember to label the bag with the date for easy tracking. Best Methods for Reheating To reheat your stuffed chicken, the oven works best. Preheat it 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 it's warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but it may lose some of its crispiness. If using the microwave, heat it for 2-3 minutes, checking often to avoid overcooking. Enjoy your flavorful meal! You can serve Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken with many sides. Some great options include: - Steamed broccoli - Mashed potatoes - Rice pilaf - Fresh salad - Roasted vegetables These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They complement the cheese and spices well. You can mix and match based on your taste. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. You can make the stuffing and fill the chicken breasts. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to cover them well. When ready to cook, sear and bake as usual. This saves time on busy days. Yes! You can use other meats. Turkey breasts work well for this recipe. Pork tenderloin is another tasty option. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat. Ensure it is cooked through for food safety. This way, you can enjoy different flavors while still savoring the delicious stuffing. This blog discussed key ingredients for making Pepper Jack stuffed chicken. You learned how to prepare, cook, and store the dish. I shared cooking tips to ensure great flavor and texture. You saw options for variations to fit your taste. I hope this guide inspires you to try new recipes and enjoy cooking. Each step is simple, making it easy to create a great meal. Dive in and let your kitchen creativity shine!$

Pepper Jack Stuffed Chicken

A delicious chicken breast stuffed with a creamy pepper jack cheese mixture, perfect for a flavorful dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 50

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
0.5 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
optional fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a mixing bowl, combine the pepper jack cheese, cream cheese, roasted red peppers, minced garlic, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each pocket, ensuring they are well filled.
Secure the openings with toothpicks if necessary to hold the stuffing in place.
In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks.
Slice the stuffed chicken and serve garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

Secure the openings with toothpicks to hold the stuffing in place if necessary.

Keyword chicken, pepper jack cheese, stuffed chicken