If you have been dreaming of recreating that luxurious dining experience at home, then this Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe is the perfect secret weapon to wow your taste buds. This dish combines juicy, tender chicken breasts with a bubbling, savory blend of cheeses and fresh spinach, all seasoned with garlic and aromatic Italian herbs. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, making it a standout dinner that feels fancy but is surprisingly accessible to prepare. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or craving a comforting meal that feels special, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of creamy, cheesy stuffing and succulent chicken that melts in your mouth. These staples create a flavorful and colorful dish without any complicated preparations.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing, ensuring a juicy and tender main protein.
- 1 cup spinach, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch plus a boost of nutrients and color.
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened: Provides creamy richness that binds the stuffing together delightfully.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that gooey texture everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers a sharp, nutty depth to the cheesy filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Packs an aromatic punch that wakes up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors perfectly.
- Olive oil for cooking: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection and adds subtle fruity notes.
How to Make Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the chicken and stuffing so everything cooks evenly and achieves that restaurant-quality finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach and Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it forms a creamy, well-incorporated filling that is bursting with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast—make sure not to slice all the way through—to create enough room for the filling. Then generously stuff each breast with the cheesy spinach mixture, pressing it in so it’s packed but not spilling out. This step is where the magic begins, turning simple chicken into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Sear the Chicken
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place each stuffed chicken breast in the pan and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until the outside turns a gorgeous golden brown. This step locks in juices and adds that irresistible caramelized flavor that makes all the difference.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Baking ensures the chicken remains tender and the filling melts into a luscious, bubbly delight.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, give your chicken a few minutes to rest on the counter. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, so every bite is succulent and flavorful when you slice into it.
How to Serve Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe
Garnishes
Garnish your dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness that complements the creamy stuffing beautifully. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze can also add a touch of sweetness and visual flair.
Side Dishes
This rich and creamy main pairs wonderfully with simple, vibrant sides. Consider roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich flavors. A side of crusty bread also works perfectly to mop up any melted cheesy filling left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve your stuffed chicken sliced on a platter to showcase the colorful cheese spinach filling like a delicious surprise. You can also place each chicken breast on a bed of sautéed greens or creamy risotto to elevate the dish visually and texturally.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep both the chicken and filling fresh and safe to enjoy later.
Freezing
If you want to save some for a later date, wrap the cooked stuffed chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen, this copycat recipe stays delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to preserve the juicy texture and melty cheese. Microwaving can work in a pinch but may dry out the chicken, so use that method only if needed.
FAQs
Can I use spinach that is frozen instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach but be sure to thoroughly thaw and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it into the cheese filling to avoid sogginess.
Can I substitute the cheeses used in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like gouda, feta, or even creamier goat cheese depending on your taste preference. Just keep the balance between creamy and melty textures for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
This stuffed chicken is perfect for meal prep as it reheats well and keeps in the fridge for a few days, giving you a delicious homemade meal ready to go anytime.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free version, substitute cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free cream cheese. The final result will be different in texture and flavor but can still be delicious with the right ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe shines as a perfect blend of simplicity and decadence, bringing a touch of fine dining right into your home kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare while delivering flavors that feel gourmet. Once you taste this juicy, cheesy, garlicky masterpiece, it’s sure to become a beloved staple for any special meal or weeknight dinner treat!
Print
Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This copycat recipe for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken features tender boneless chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. The chicken is seared to a golden brown on the stovetop before being baked to juicy perfection, making it an irresistible entrée that’s perfect for a comforting dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil for cooking
Stuffing
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken later.
- Prepare Stuffing: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful stuffing mixture.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, then evenly stuff each pocket with the prepared cheese and spinach mixture.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they achieve a golden-brown crust, which helps lock in the juices and adds flavor.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) indicating it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and delicious result.
Notes
- Be careful not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when making the pocket for stuffing.
- Use fresh spinach for best texture and flavor; frozen spinach can work if thoroughly drained.
- Allow cream cheese to soften fully before mixing for easier incorporation.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid undercooked or overcooked chicken.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- For a lower-fat option, substitute cream cheese with a lighter cheese or Greek yogurt.
