Imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling that practically melts in your mouth. Our Crockpot Easy Stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is not just a meal; it's a delightful culinary experience that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! With just 15 minutes of prep time and a hands-off cooking process, you can create a comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Ready to impress your taste buds? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to making the ultimate stuffed chicken breasts!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by creating a pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice horizontally through the thickest part of each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket without cutting all the way through.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the cream cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed and packed tightly.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts by using toothpicks to close the pocket and prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Lightly season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with additional salt and pepper.
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts into the crockpot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the filling to set.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional melted cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy stuffing and even cooking. Ensure they are of similar size for consistent cooking.
- Perfect Pocket: When creating the pocket in the chicken breasts, be careful not to cut all the way through. A deep pocket ensures you can pack in plenty of delicious filling without any leaks.
- Mix It Up: Feel free to customize the filling! Add sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, or different types of cheese to elevate the flavor profile to your liking.
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Season both the inside and outside of the chicken breasts. A little salt and pepper go a long way in enhancing the dish's overall taste.
- Use Non-Stick Spray: Spraying the crockpot with non-stick cooking spray helps prevent the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let It Rest: Allow the stuffed chicken breasts to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This step helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra melted cheese before serving for a beautiful presentation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 160mg
