Unlock a world of flavor complexity with this deceptively simple recipe. Ham, cheese, and spinach-stuffed chicken is a delightful dish that combines the creamy goodness of cheese, the richness of ham, and the freshness of spinach. Perfect for a weeknight surprise or a weekend delight, this recipe offers an opportunity to explore the depths of culinary artistry in a relatively simple format.
Photos of Ham, Cheese, And Spinach-stuffed Chicken Recipe
This recipe includes some ingredients that might not be readily available in your pantry. Baby Swiss cheese and provolone cheese are both specific types of cheese that bring unique flavors to the dish. If you can't find these specifically, feel free to use any types of cheese that melt well. Baby spinach is a smaller, tender variety of spinach which is usually sold pre-packaged in the fresh produce section.
Ham, Cheese, and Spinach for Stuffed Chicken Ingredients
Chicken breast: The primary protein in this dish. Its mild flavor works as a perfect canvas for our stuffing.
Baby Swiss cheese: Known for its nutty and sweet flavour. It melts beautifully, creating a gooey filling.
Provolone cheese: This cheese adds a bit of sharpness to counterbalance the sweetness of the Swiss.
Ham: Ham adds a necessary salty element, balancing out the rich and creamy cheese.
Baby Spinach: Spinach adds a fresh taste and a burst of color, plus it's packed with nutrients.
Flour: Used for coating the chicken to ensure a crispy exterior.
Eggs: They help adhere the breadcrumb coating to the chicken.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs create that delicious, crispy crust when fried.
Oil: Used for frying the chicken. Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
One reader, Felita Valdes says:
This ham, cheese, and spinach-stuffed chicken recipe is a game-changer! The flavors blend perfectly, and the chicken turns out juicy and tender. It's a hit with my family and friends every time I make it. Plus, it's so easy to prepare. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Ham, Cheese, and Spinach-Stuffed Chicken
How to stuff the chicken: Roll the ham, baby swiss cheese, provolone cheese, and baby spinach leaves together and stuff the mixture into the pocket of the chicken breast, then press the edges of the chicken together to create a seal.
How to bread the stuffed chicken: Dip the stuffed chicken in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally in breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating and shaking off any excess breading.
How to fry the stuffed chicken: Heat oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat and fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides.
How to bake the stuffed chicken: Once the chicken is fried, transfer it to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees F, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a minimum of 165 degrees F.
How To Make Ham, Cheese, and Spinach-Stuffed Chicken
Fried to crispy perfection, this delicious stuffed chicken is filled with hearty goodness brought by ham, two types of cheeses, and spinach!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1large chicken breast
- 1slicebaby Swiss cheese
- 1sliceprovolone cheese
- 1sliceham,thin
- 5baby spinach leaves
- ½cupflour
- 2eggs,beaten
- ⅔cupbreadcrumbs
- oil,for frying
- salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
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Cut a pocket into the side of the chicken breast.
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Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
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Stack the two kinds of cheese and spinach on top of the ham, and roll it up tightly.
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Stuff the chicken with the roll and press the edges of the chicken together to create a seal.
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Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs into 3 separate bowls.
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Being careful to keep the chicken from opening, dip the stuffed chicken in the flour, shaking off the excess.
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Then dip the floured chicken into the egg, then breadcrumbs, then egg and breadcrumbs again.
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Coat evenly and shake off any excess breading.
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Heat oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat and preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
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Fry the chicken until golden brown on both sides.
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Once the chicken is fried, place it into a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches a minimum of 165 degrees F.
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Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1258.63kcal
- Fat: 52.37g
- Saturated Fat: 17.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.29g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 20.70g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 10.21g
- Carbohydrates: 103.91g
- Fiber: 6.05g
- Sugar: 5.31g
- Protein: 87.18g
- Cholesterol: 502.99mg
- Sodium: 1372.77mg
- Calcium: 528.86mg
- Potassium: 1045.09mg
- Iron: 8.38mg
- Vitamin A: 355.00µg
- Vitamin C: 5.80mg
Helpful Technique Tips for Preparing Ham, Cheese, and Spinach-Stuffed Chicken
When stuffing the chicken, make sure to create a deep enough pocket to hold the cheese, ham, and spinach. However, be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken. This will ensure that the filling stays inside during the cooking process. Also, when sealing the chicken, you can use toothpicks to help keep it closed. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Stuffed Chicken
Prep ahead: Prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This will save time on busy weeknights.
Use a meat mallet: Pound the chicken breast to an even thickness before stuffing to ensure it cooks evenly and saves time in the oven.
Double coating: Double coating the stuffed chicken with egg and breadcrumbs creates a crispy crust, saving time on deep frying.
Invest in a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it's fully cooked and saving time on guesswork.
Batch cooking: Make multiple stuffed chicken breasts at once and freeze the extras for quick and easy meals in the future.
Substitute Ingredients For Ham, Cheese, And Spinach-stuffed Chicken Recipe
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast is a lean and flavorful alternative to chicken breast, providing a similar texture and taste for the stuffed chicken recipe.
Baby swiss cheese - Substitute with Gruyère cheese: Gruyère cheese has a similar nutty and slightly sweet flavor, making it a suitable replacement for baby swiss cheese in the stuffed chicken recipe.
Provolone cheese - Substitute with mozzarella cheese: Mozzarella cheese has a mild and creamy flavor, which can be a good substitute for provolone cheese in the stuffed chicken recipe.
Ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey offers a similar smoky and savory flavor to ham, making it a great alternative for the stuffed chicken recipe.
Baby spinach leaves - Substitute with kale leaves: Kale leaves provide a hearty and nutritious substitute for baby spinach, adding a slightly earthy flavor to the stuffed chicken recipe.
Presentation Ideas for Stuffed Chicken
Elevate the dish with a stunning sauce: Create a rich and flavorful reduction using balsamic vinegar and honey to drizzle over the stuffed chicken. This will add a touch of elegance and depth of flavor to the dish.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the plate with freshly chopped parsley and thyme to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to the presentation.
Incorporate vibrant vegetables: Serve the stuffed chicken alongside a medley of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. The colorful array of vegetables will enhance the visual appeal of the dish.
Utilize edible flowers for a delicate touch: Place a few edible nasturtium or borage flowers strategically around the plate to introduce a delicate and visually stunning element to the presentation.
Consider the plate selection: Opt for a sleek and modern porcelain plate to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish, allowing the stuffed chicken to take center stage.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Stuffed Chicken
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Meat mallet: A tool used to tenderize and flatten meat.
- Cast-iron pan: A heavy-duty pan that provides even heat distribution and is great for searing and frying.
- Baking dish: A deep, oven-safe dish used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
- Food thermometer: Used to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Tongs: Used for flipping and handling the stuffed chicken while frying and baking.
- Oven: Used for baking the stuffed chicken until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
- Mixing bowl: Used for breading the stuffed chicken with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Food processor: Optional tool for finely chopping the spinach and ham for the stuffing.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Stuffed Chicken
Let the stuffed chicken cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can lead to soggy breading.
To store in the refrigerator, place the cooled chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, freeze the stuffed chicken. Wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen stuffed chicken will maintain its best quality for up to 2-3 months. After that, it will still be safe to eat but may experience some changes in texture and flavor.
To reheat refrigerated stuffed chicken, place it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual pieces on high for 1-2 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the chicken.
To reheat frozen stuffed chicken, first thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, follow the reheating instructions for refrigerated chicken. Alternatively, you can reheat frozen stuffed chicken directly in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through. Cover the chicken with foil to prevent excessive browning.
How To Reheat Leftover Stuffed Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover stuffed chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This method helps maintain the crispiness of the breadcrumb coating while ensuring the filling is heated through.
For a quicker option, use the microwave. Place the stuffed chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover it with a damp paper towel. Keep in mind that the breadcrumb coating may soften in the microwave.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the stuffed chicken while maintaining its crispy exterior. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken inside the basket. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the stuffed chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the coating is crispy. Be careful not to overheat, as the filling may start to ooze out.
If you want to add extra moisture to the leftover stuffed chicken, create a quick pan sauce. After reheating the chicken using one of the above methods, remove it from the pan and add a splash of chicken broth or white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the liquid simmer for a minute or two. Stir in a pat of butter and pour the sauce over the reheated chicken for added flavor and moisture.
Interesting Facts About Stuffed Chicken Recipes
The chicken breast is a great source of protein, containing essential amino acids that are important for muscle growth and repair. Additionally, spinach is rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and iron, which are beneficial for overall health. Ham and cheese provide a delicious flavor and add a savory element to the dish. This recipe is a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy a balanced meal, incorporating chicken, spinach, ham, and cheese.
Is Making Stuffed Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
This ham, cheese, and spinach-stuffed chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The cost-effectiveness is moderate, as the ingredients are fairly accessible and versatile. The overall verdict rating for this recipe is 8 out of 10, considering its taste, nutritional value, and ease of preparation. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a reasonable choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Is This Stuffed Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This ham, cheese, and spinach-stuffed chicken recipe is a delicious and indulgent dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to a few factors:
- The recipe calls for two types of cheese (swiss and provolone) and ham, which can be high in saturated fat and sodium.
- The breading process involves flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, adding extra calories and carbohydrates to the dish.
- Frying the chicken in oil before baking it can increase the overall fat content of the meal.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious ingredients, such as spinach and chicken breast, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and lean protein.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Opt for low-fat cheese varieties or reduce the amount of cheese used in the stuffing.
- Choose a leaner cut of ham or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as turkey bacon or prosciutto.
- Instead of breading and frying the chicken, try seasoning it with herbs and spices and baking it directly in the oven.
- Increase the amount of spinach or add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms, to boost the nutrient content.
- Serve the stuffed chicken with a side of fresh, steamed vegetables or a light salad to balance out the meal.
Editor's Thoughts on This Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This ham, cheese, and spinach-stuffed chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of baby swiss and provolone cheeses, along with the savory ham and fresh spinach, creates a rich and satisfying filling for the chicken breast. The breading and frying process adds a crispy exterior, while the baking ensures a juicy and tender interior. The dish is well-balanced and visually appealing, making it a versatile and impressive main course for any occasion.
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Why trust this Ham, Cheese, And Spinach-stuffed Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a succulent and flavorful experience, with ham, cheese, and spinach perfectly complementing the tender chicken. The combination of baby swiss and provolone cheese adds a rich and creamy texture, while the ham infuses a savory depth. The crispy golden crust, achieved by dipping the chicken in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs, promises a delightful crunch. By seamlessly blending the flavors and textures, this dish ensures a delightful dining experience.
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