RUTH’S CHRIS STUFFED CHICKEN ULTIMATE

Craving that melt-in-your-mouth, decadent Ruth’s Chris experience but don’t want to break the bank? Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly seared chicken breast, oozing with a creamy, flavorful cheese and herb stuffing. With this guide, you can master the art of Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken right in your own kitchen – I promise, it’s easier than you think, and the results are absolutely divine!

Gather Your Ingredients

Alright, friend, before we dive in, let’s make sure we have all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process so much smoother. Trust me, a little organization goes a long way in the kitchen!

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6-8 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

For the Stuffing:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these steps closely, and don’t be afraid to get your hands a little dirty. We’re going to create something amazing together.

Prepare the Chicken Breasts:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to stuff.
3. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season both sides of each chicken breast with the spice mixture.

Make the Creamy Stuffing:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined. This stuffing is what makes this dish truly special, so don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients!

Stuff and Roll the Chicken:

1. Place a generous spoonful (about 1/4 of the mixture) of the cream cheese mixture onto one end of each flattened chicken breast.
2. Carefully roll up the chicken breast, starting from the end with the stuffing, and secure it with toothpicks. Make sure the seam is facing down to prevent the stuffing from oozing out during baking.

Sear and Bake the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. I love using cast iron for this because it gives the chicken a beautiful sear!
2. Carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is crucial for adding flavor and color to the chicken.
3. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Rest and Serve:

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before removing the toothpicks and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks: Your Secret Weapon

Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen, and that’s okay! Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to solve them:

Stuffing is Leaking Out:

This usually happens if you overstuff the chicken or don’t secure it properly. Make sure you’re not using too much stuffing and that the toothpicks are holding the seam tightly closed. If you’re still having trouble, you can try using kitchen twine to tie the chicken rolls instead of toothpicks.

Chicken is Dry:

Overcooking is the most common cause of dry chicken. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and avoid baking it for too long. Pounding the chicken to an even thickness also helps it cook more evenly and prevents it from drying out.

Stuffing is Bland:

Taste the stuffing mixture before you assemble the chicken and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, garlic, or red pepper flakes to give it a little more flavor. Using high-quality cheeses and fresh herbs will also make a big difference.

Searing Issues:

Make sure your pan is hot enough before you add the chicken. You want to hear a sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Don’t overcrowd the pan, either; sear the chicken in batches if necessary. This will ensure that each piece gets a good sear.

Variations & Adaptations: Make It Your Own!

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Cheese Variations: Try using different types of cheese in the stuffing, such as Gruyere, fontina, or provolone. Each cheese will add its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
• Vegetable Additions: Add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or onions. Sauté them lightly before adding them to the cheese mixture.
• Herb Swaps: Experiment with different herbs in the stuffing, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano. Fresh herbs will always give you the best flavor.
• Sauce It Up: Serve the stuffed chicken with your favorite sauce. A creamy Alfredo sauce, a tangy tomato sauce, or a savory mushroom sauce would all be delicious.
• Spice it Up: A little cajun seasoning to the chicken breasts before searing can add a wonderful kick!

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with complementary side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are all great choices.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food side dish.
• Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf adds a touch of elegance to the meal.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic Bread: Because, who doesn’t love garlic bread?

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes to Explore

If you enjoyed this Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken recipe, you might also like these other fantastic chicken dishes:

• Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A creamy, dreamy dish that’s sure to impress.
• Chicken Casserole Recipe: A classic comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.
• Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake: A crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make.
• Baked Cream Cheese Chicken: Another cream cheese chicken option that you are sure to love.
• Mozzarella Ranch Chicken Bombs: These flavorful chicken bombs are always a hit.
• Broccoli Cheddar Stuffed Chicken: A healthy and delicious option that’s packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

See? That wasn’t so hard, was it? Creating restaurant-quality meals at home is totally achievable, and with a little practice, you’ll be whipping up Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken like a pro in no time. Enjoy impressing your friends and family with this delicious and elegant dish. Happy cooking, my friend!