Fabulous Oven Fried Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breasts

There are certain dishes that, from the very first bite, etch themselves into your culinary memory. For me, stuffed chicken breasts have always held a special place, evoking cozy family dinners and the comforting aroma of a well-loved kitchen. I remember one particularly blustery evening, years ago, when I stumbled upon a recipe that promised a unique twist on this classic. The combination of rich, tangy Roquefort, savory crumbled bacon, and a whisper of smoky Creole seasoning, all encased in a perfectly crisp breadcrumb crust, was nothing short of revelatory. The smiles around the dinner table that night, the eager requests for seconds, solidified this dish as a true gem in my repertoire.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yields: 6 stuffed chicken breasts
• Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

This recipe is a beautiful symphony of flavors, and gathering the right ingredients is the first step to culinary success.

• For the Chicken & Stuffing:

  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 ounces bacon, cooked crisp, drained, and crumbled
  • 6 ounces Roquefort cheese (or Feta cheese if Roquefort is unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning (Emeril’s Bayou Blast is highly recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper

• For the Coating & Glaze:

  • 1 ½ cups breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil (for preparing the baking sheet)

Equipment Needed

To bring this dish to life, you’ll want to have these tools ready:

• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Sharp knife (for butterflying the chicken)
• Small bowl (for the honey mixture)
• Shallow dish (for the breadcrumbs)
• Pastry brush or spoon (for applying the honey mixture)

Instructions

The method for creating these fabulous stuffed chicken breasts is straightforward, focusing on building layers of flavor and achieving that perfect oven-fried crispness.

1. Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This initial heat is crucial for developing a beautiful crust.
2. Next, prepare your baking sheet. Cover it completely with aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze! Then, lightly oil the foil using the 2 teaspoons of olive oil. This will prevent the chicken from sticking and help achieve a golden-brown exterior. Set this prepared sheet aside.
3. Now, for the star of the show: the chicken. Take each of the 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, butterfly cut each chicken breast. This means slicing horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket for the delicious filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through, allowing the breast to open up like a book.
4. It’s time to create the luscious filling. Divide the cheese and cooked, crumbled bacon evenly among the cavities you’ve created in each chicken breast. Ensure a good distribution of both for maximum flavor in every bite.
5. With the filling secured, it’s time to season the chicken. Season the chicken evenly on both sides with the Creole seasoning, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. The Creole seasoning will impart a wonderful depth of flavor, while the salt and pepper enhance the natural taste of the chicken.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, and cayenne pepper. Stir this mixture well until it’s smooth and thoroughly combined. This creates a sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy glaze that will coat the chicken.
7. In a shallow dish, place the 1 ½ cups of breadcrumbs. This is where the magic of the oven-fried crust will happen.
8. Now, it’s time to dress the chicken. Brush both sides of each piece of chicken with the prepared honey-mustard mixture. Ensure a good, even coating.
9. After glazing, dredge the breaded chicken breasts in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. You want a nice, even layer of breadcrumbs for that satisfying crunch.
10. Carefully place the prepared chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they have a little space between them for even cooking.
11. Bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when pierced with a sharp knife. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The exact time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts and your oven.
12. Serve immediately and ENJOY! The contrast of the crispy exterior with the warm, melty, cheesy interior is best experienced right away.

Expert Tips & Tricks

As a chef, I’ve learned that a few subtle touches can elevate even the most straightforward recipe. For these stuffed chicken breasts, consider these pointers:

• Butterflying Technique: To avoid tearing the chicken, use a very sharp knife and a steady hand. If you’re nervous about butterflying, you can ask your butcher to do it for you, or even pound the chicken breasts slightly thinner before slicing to make the process easier.
• Even Filling Distribution: Make sure the bacon and cheese are distributed as evenly as possible in each chicken breast. This ensures that every bite is a delightful combination of flavors.
• Crumb Adherence: For the best breadcrumb coating, make sure the chicken is well-coated with the honey-mustard mixture. If the crumbs aren’t sticking well, you can try a light egg wash before the breadcrumbs, though this recipe is designed to work beautifully without it.
• Oven Accuracy: Ovens can vary in temperature. If you find your chicken is browning too quickly or not cooking through in the recommended time, adjust the temperature or cooking time accordingly. An oven thermometer can be a valuable tool.
• Doneness Check: Always trust the visual cue of clear juices. While a meat thermometer is accurate, the clear juices are a reliable indicator for chicken.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Fabulous Oven Fried Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a meal in themselves, but they pair beautifully with a variety of sides.

• Serving: Serve them hot, right out of the oven, to enjoy the peak crispness of the breadcrumb crust and the molten cheese within. They are excellent alongside a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or a creamy mashed potato.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, it’s best to do so in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. This will help to re-crisp the breadcrumb coating. Microwaving will likely result in a softer crust.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of these delicious stuffed chicken breasts. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and exact measurements used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	704
Calories from Fat	334
Total Fat	37.1 g	57%
Saturated Fat	10.2 g	51%
Cholesterol	113.9 mg	37%
Sodium	5294.3 mg	220%
Total Carbohydrate	49.1 g	16%
Dietary Fiber	12.8 g	51%
Sugars	26.9 g	107%
Protein	50.7 g	101%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, culinary creativity knows no bounds! Here are a few ideas to personalize your stuffed chicken:

• Cheese Swap: If Roquefort or Feta aren’t to your liking, consider using a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for a milder, Italian-inspired flavor. Goat cheese also offers a delightful tang.
• Herbaceous Infusion: Finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or even a touch of thyme can be mixed into the cheese and bacon filling for an added layer of freshness.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love more heat, increase the cayenne pepper in the glaze or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a delicious gluten-free alternative. Ensure your Creole seasoning is also gluten-free.
• Bacon Alternatives: For a vegetarian option, you could omit the bacon and perhaps add finely diced sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling for umami and texture.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare these chicken breasts ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can stuff and bread the chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Store them, uncovered, on a baking sheet in the refrigerator. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.

Q: My breadcrumbs aren’t getting very crispy. What can I do?
A: Ensure your oven is properly preheated and maintains the correct temperature. Also, ensure the chicken is not overcrowded on the baking sheet, as this can lead to steaming rather than crisping. A final broil for a minute or two (watching carefully!) can also enhance crispness, but be cautious not to burn the breadcrumbs.

Q: What kind of Creole seasoning is best?
A: While Emeril’s Bayou Blast is specifically recommended, any good quality Creole or Cajun seasoning blend will work. These blends typically contain paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and other spices that provide a flavorful kick.

Q: My Roquefort cheese is too strong. What’s a milder alternative?
A: As the recipe suggests, Feta cheese is a great substitute. It offers a salty tang that is less intense than Roquefort. Cream cheese blended with a little Parmesan can also create a milder, creamy filling.

Q: How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
A: The most reliable methods are to check that the juices run clear when pierced with a sharp knife, or to use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken breast. It should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Final Thoughts

There’s a profound satisfaction in creating a dish that is both comforting and impressive, and these Fabulous Oven Fried Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breasts achieve just that. They are a testament to how simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined and expertly prepared, can result in something truly extraordinary. I encourage you to try this recipe, to experience that delightful crunch of the breadcrumbs giving way to the tender, juicy chicken, all embraced by a warm, savory cheese and bacon filling. Serve it with pride, share it with loved ones, and savor every delicious bite. Perhaps a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would be a lovely accompaniment to this flavorful meal. Happy cooking!