Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with family and friends, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. One dish that never fails to impress during these festive moments is my Christmas Stuffed Chicken. It’s bursting with vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of creamy cheeses, spinach, and crunchy pecans, all wrapped up in juicy chicken. Trust me, it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to prepare! You can whip it up without breaking a sweat, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the festivities. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it a wonderful option for everyone at your gathering. The best part? It looks beautiful on your holiday table, and I promise your guests will be coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked spinach (you can use fresh or frozen, just make sure to drain it well)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened for easy mixing)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled, for that tangy flavor)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped if they’re large, for a sweet pop)
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped (for a lovely crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy with the seasoning!)
How to Prepare Christmas Stuffed Chicken
Preheat the Oven
Alright, let’s get the ball rolling! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and gets that lovely golden-brown exterior. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Prepare the Stuffing Mixture
Now, grab a mixing bowl and let’s whip up that stuffing! Combine the cooked spinach, softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped cranberries, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. You’ll want to give it a taste—oh my gosh, it’s so good! Just imagine that flavor explosion waiting to happen!
Stuff the Chicken
Time to get hands-on! Carefully take your boneless chicken breasts and cut a pocket into each one. You’ll want to be gentle—just slice enough to create a nice space for that delicious filling. Now, take a generous scoop of your stuffing mixture and stuff each pocket until they’re full but not overflowing. It’s like filling a little treasure chest of flavor!
Bake the Chicken
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish. You can lightly grease the dish if you’d like, but it’s not necessary. Pop it in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on them—you want to make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). That juicy stuffing will be so enticing as it bakes!
Rest and Serve
Once the chicken is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This is crucial, my friend! Letting it rest allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your chicken moist and tender. Serve it up with a side of roasted vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a stunning holiday dish that’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a festive dish that brings holiday cheer to your table!
- Surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks.
- Loaded with vibrant flavors from the creamy cheeses, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans.
- Gluten-free, making it accessible for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for meal prep—make it a day in advance and simply bake when you’re ready!
- Stunning presentation that will impress family and friends.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make a fantastic lunch the next day.
Tips for Success
Now that you’re ready to make your Christmas Stuffed Chicken, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure it turns out perfect every time!
- Customize Your Stuffing: Don’t hesitate to get creative with the stuffing! If you’re not a fan of pecans, walnuts or slivered almonds work beautifully too. You can even throw in some cooked sausage or different herbs to jazz it up!
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as you can, make sure to leave a little space. Overstuffing can cause the chicken to burst during baking, and we definitely don’t want that mess!
- Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s the best way to ensure your chicken is safe to eat and perfectly juicy!
- Let It Rest: Seriously, don’t skip the resting step! It’s key for keeping your chicken moist. If you cut into it too soon, all those tasty juices will run out, and we don’t want a dry chicken!
- Pair It Right: Think about what sides will complement your stuffed chicken. Roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some creamy mashed potatoes make for a well-rounded meal!
- Make It Ahead: If you’re hosting, consider prepping the chicken the day before. Just stuff it and store it in the fridge, then pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It’ll save you time and stress on the big day!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to impressing everyone with your delicious Christmas Stuffed Chicken. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this Christmas Stuffed Chicken! Each serving is not only delicious but also provides a balanced meal that can fit into a healthy eating plan. Here’s what you can expect for each stuffed chicken breast:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
This dish is a fantastic source of protein, thanks to the chicken and the creamy cheeses, while the dried cranberries and spinach add a nice touch of fiber and natural sweetness. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a festive meal without sacrificing nutrition. So go ahead and dig in, knowing you’re treating yourself to something wholesome!
FAQ Section
Can I prepare this dish a day in advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Christmas Stuffed Chicken is that you can prep it a day ahead. Just stuff the chicken breasts, cover them tightly, and pop them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them as directed. This not only saves you time on the big day, but it also allows those wonderful flavors to meld together even more. Win-win!
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have a nut allergy, don’t worry! There are plenty of great alternatives. Walnuts or sliced almonds work beautifully in this recipe as they both add that lovely crunch. You could even skip the nuts altogether if you prefer a smoother texture in your stuffing. Just adjust the quantities to your liking!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Great question! The best way to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly is to use a meat thermometer. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Besides checking the temperature, look for visual cues: the juices should run clear, and the chicken should no longer be pink inside. Trust me, a little patience here goes a long way to ensure a juicy, delicious meal!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my Christmas Stuffed Chicken, the right sides can really elevate the meal and make it a true festive feast! Here are some of my favorite pairings that complement the flavors of the chicken beautifully:
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds that perfect touch of earthy sweetness and a pop of color to your plate.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: You can never go wrong with buttery, creamy mashed potatoes. They’re a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with the savory stuffed chicken.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, sliced apples, walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Cranberry Sauce: Don’t forget the cranberry sauce! A dollop of homemade or store-bought cranberry sauce adds a sweet-tart zing that complements the stuffing perfectly.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: For something a little different, try serving the chicken with a fragrant wild rice pilaf. The nutty flavor and chewy texture make a delightful contrast to the tender chicken.
Whatever you choose to serve alongside, just know that each bite of that Christmas Stuffed Chicken will be even more delightful when paired with these tasty sides. So gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy the holiday spirit together!
For more tips on preparing chicken dishes, check out this chicken recipe guide.
To learn more about the nutritional benefits of chicken, visit Healthline’s nutrition article.
For gluten-free recipe ideas, you can explore Celiac’s gluten-free recipes.
Print
Christmas Stuffed Chicken: 7 Savory Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A festive dish perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked spinach
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix spinach, cream cheese, feta, cranberries, pecans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a pocket in each chicken breast.
- Stuff each pocket with the cheese and spinach mixture.
- Place the stuffed chicken in a baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables.
- This dish can be prepared a day in advance.
- Adjust the stuffing ingredients to your preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Christmas Stuffed Chicken, holiday recipes, chicken recipes