This Dubliner Cheese & Tomato Stuffed Chicken is a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for any night of the week. The creamy, nutty Dubliner cheese pairs beautifully with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, creating a filling that melts right into the juicy, oven-baked chicken. The golden-brown crust, if breaded, adds a satisfying crunch, while the herbs and garlic bring out a depth of flavor that makes every bite irresistible.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests with a restaurant-style meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or buttery roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal. With its minimal prep and rich, cheesy goodness, this stuffed chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Dubliner cheese, grated
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
- 1 egg, beaten (optional, for breading)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally but not all the way through, creating a pocket for stuffing.
- In a small bowl, mix grated Dubliner cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, pressing the edges together to seal. Use toothpicks if needed.
- If breading, dip each stuffed chicken breast into the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks if used.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 2 servings
Origins & Inspiration Behind the Dish
Stuffed chicken recipes have been a classic in European and American cuisine for centuries, offering a way to infuse proteins with rich flavors while keeping them moist and juicy. This recipe is inspired by the traditional European love for cheese-stuffed meats, particularly in Irish and Italian kitchens.
Dubliner cheese, originating from Ireland, is a semi-hard cheese with a unique blend of nutty, sweet, and slightly sharp flavors. It melts beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for stuffing chicken. Sun-dried tomatoes add a natural umami depth and a touch of acidity, balancing the richness of the cheese. This dish brings together the best of Irish dairy and Mediterranean flavors, creating a wholesome and satisfying meal.
Cooking Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Butterflying the Chicken Properly: When slicing the chicken breast to create a pocket, use a sharp knife and be careful not to cut all the way through. A deep pocket will help hold the cheese and tomato filling without spilling.
- Sealing the Stuffing: If your filling keeps falling out, use toothpicks to secure the edges or tie the chicken with kitchen twine. This helps retain the shape and prevents the cheese from oozing out too soon.
- Cheese Variations: While Dubliner cheese is the star of this dish, you can also experiment with other semi-hard cheeses like aged cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
- Breading for Extra Crispiness: If you love a crispy crust, coat the stuffed chicken in breadcrumbs after dipping it in a beaten egg. This adds a golden crunch when baked or pan-seared.
- Cooking Method Alternatives: While oven-baking keeps the dish light and juicy, you can also pan-sear the chicken on medium heat for a crispier exterior before transferring it to the oven. If using an air fryer, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This stuffed chicken breast is highly versatile and pairs well with different side dishes:
- Light & Fresh: Serve with a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad for a refreshing balance.
- Hearty & Comforting: Enjoy with creamy garlic mashed potatoes, buttered asparagus, or roasted root vegetables.
- Low-Carb Option: Pair with steamed zucchini noodles, sautéed spinach, or a cauliflower mash to keep it keto-friendly.
- Grain-Based: Serve alongside a warm bowl of quinoa pilaf or wild rice with herbs to add a nutritious, wholesome touch.
Nutritional Benefits of the Dish
- High in Protein: Chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, essential for muscle growth and energy.
- Rich in Calcium & Vitamins: Dubliner cheese is a good source of calcium, aiding in bone health. It also contains vitamin A, crucial for eye health.
- Packed with Antioxidants: Sun-dried tomatoes are loaded with antioxidants, including lycopene, which helps fight inflammation and supports heart health.
- Low in Carbs: This dish is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for keto and low-carb diets.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Wrap the cooked, cooled chicken in foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the cheese to separate and become greasy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Easy to Make: Requires minimal prep and common pantry ingredients.
✔ Gourmet & Flavorful: A restaurant-quality dish with cheesy goodness and juicy chicken.
✔ Versatile & Customizable: Change the cheese, add herbs, or even wrap the chicken in prosciutto for a different twist.
✔ Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
What Makes This Dish Special?
✔ Gourmet Flavor, Easy Preparation: The combination of Dubliner cheese and sun-dried tomatoes creates a complex yet approachable flavor profile.
✔ Versatile & Customizable: Swap out ingredients to suit different dietary needs or preferences.
✔ High-Protein & Low-Carb: A great option for those on a keto-friendly or low-carb diet.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion: Serve it for a weeknight dinner, date night, or a family gathering.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a dish packed with bold flavors.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. Choose thicker cuts for easier stuffing.
- Dubliner Cheese: This Irish cheese provides a nutty, sweet, and slightly sharp taste. You can substitute sharp cheddar, Gruyère, or Gouda if needed.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, umami flavor that balances the cheese. Use cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or caramelized onions as alternatives.
- Garlic Powder & Dried Basil: Brings out depth and aroma in the dish. Fresh herbs can also be used.
- Breadcrumbs (Optional): Adds a crispy coating when baked. Can be replaced with panko breadcrumbs, almond flour (for low-carb), or crushed pork rinds (keto option).
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Use a sharp knife to butterfly the chicken breasts, cutting a pocket into each without slicing all the way through.
- Make the Filling: Combine grated Dubliner cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Stuff the Chicken: Fill each pocket with the cheese mixture. Secure the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from oozing out during cooking.
- Optional Breading: If you prefer a crispy crust, dip the stuffed chicken into beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Sear for Extra Flavor: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in the juices and enhances flavor.
- Bake Until Perfect: Transfer the chicken to a preheated oven (375°F / 190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest & Serve: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Best Side Dishes to Serve With Stuffed Chicken
Pair this cheesy stuffed chicken with a variety of sides to create a well-balanced meal:
🥗 Light & Fresh:
- Arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted cherry tomatoes with balsamic glaze
- Steamed green beans with garlic butter
🥔 Comforting & Hearty:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Garlic butter rice
- Roasted sweet potatoes
🥑 Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly:
- Sautéed spinach with olive oil and garlic
- Cauliflower mash with parmesan
- Zucchini noodles tossed in pesto
Tips for Success
💡 Choose the Right Chicken: Thick, even-sized chicken breasts are best for stuffing, as they hold the filling well without tearing.
💡 Avoid Overstuffing: Overfilling can cause the cheese to spill out while cooking. Aim for a balanced portion inside each chicken breast.
💡 Secure with Toothpicks: If needed, seal the chicken edges with toothpicks or tie with twine for a firm hold.
💡 Use a Meat Thermometer: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe and perfectly juicy results.
💡 Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes helps retain moisture and keeps it from drying out.
Variations to Try
Switch up this stuffed chicken recipe to match different flavor profiles:
🔥 Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
🧄 Garlic Butter Version: Coat the chicken in garlic herb butter before baking.
🥓 Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast in bacon for extra flavor.
🥦 Veggie-Packed: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or artichokes to the stuffing.
🍷 Wine Pairing: Pair this dish with a buttery Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir for a delightful balance.
Conclusion
This Dubliner Cheese & Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast is a must-try recipe that combines rich flavors, creamy textures, and easy preparation into one delicious meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking for a satisfying yet healthy meal, this dish is a perfect choice.
📌 Save this recipe and try it out today! Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments.