Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast

Let me introduce you to your new dinner obsession: Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast. This dish is bold, juicy, cheesy, and has just the right amount of spice to make things exciting. Imagine slicing into a perfectly seared chicken breast only to reveal a smoky, flavor-packed chorizo and cheese filling that melts in your mouth. It’s like a flavor party hiding in every bite—and you’re absolutely invited.

Whether you’re cooking for guests or spicing up your usual weeknight rotation, this dish is a total winner. It’s hearty, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Trust me, you’re going to feel like a kitchen rockstar.

Why You’ll Love Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast

Flavor Bomb: Between the savory chorizo and gooey cheese, each bite is packed with rich, smoky goodness.

Restaurant-Worthy: It looks and tastes like something you’d order at a fancy bistro—but it’s 100% doable in your own kitchen.

High-Protein Comfort Food: It’s a great way to get in that protein with zero boredom.

Easy to Customize: Swap out cheeses, add some spinach, or drizzle it with a spicy cream sauce. You do you.

Low Effort, Big Reward: Minimal prep, one pan, and maximum flavor? Yes, please.

Ingredients in Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast

Here’s what makes the magic happen:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Thick enough to stuff and juicy enough to stay tender while cooking.
• Chorizo: Spanish or Mexican—your choice. It brings the heat, the spice, and that signature smoky punch.
• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella—something that melts beautifully.
• Garlic: For a warm, savory note in the filling.
• Paprika: A touch of smokiness to amp up the flavor of the chicken itself.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring it all together.
• Olive Oil or Butter: For that perfect golden sear.
• Toothpicks or Kitchen Twine: To keep everything nicely tucked in during cooking.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Lay each chicken breast flat and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket horizontally—don’t cut all the way through. Just a deep slit so you can stuff it full of goodness.

2. Make the Filling

In a bowl, mix cooked and crumbled chorizo with shredded cheese, a little garlic, and a sprinkle of paprika. Taste it. Smile. Try not to eat it all before stuffing the chicken.

3. Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the chorizo-cheese mixture into the pockets you made. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep that glorious filling inside.

4. Season & Sear

Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and more paprika. Sear in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, until beautifully browned.

5. Finish in the Oven

Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temp should hit 165°F / 74°C).

6. Rest & Serve

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps all the juices (and melty filling) stay where they belong.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 410
Total Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 120mg
  Sodium: 740mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 4g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 0g
  Protein: 40g
  Vitamin A: 15%
  Vitamin C: 6%
  Calcium: 12%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast

With a Side of Rice or Quinoa: Soaks up all the juices and keeps the meal satisfying.

Over Mashed Potatoes: For a comfort food combo that seriously delivers.

With Roasted Veggies: Like Brussels sprouts, zucchini, or bell peppers to balance out the richness.

Topped with a Spicy Cream Sauce: Or a drizzle of chimichurri for a tangy kick.

Sliced on a Salad: Yes, really. Try it over a bed of arugula with avocado and a citrus vinaigrette for a power-packed lunch.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overstuff: You want to fill them generously, but not so much that everything spills out during cooking.

Use a Meat Thermometer: This ensures you don’t overcook the chicken—165°F is the sweet spot.

Secure It Well: Toothpicks or twine are key to keeping that filling where it belongs.

Let It Rest: Always give it a few minutes post-bake so the juices can redistribute.

Get Saucy: A quick sauce made with sour cream, lime, and chipotle is chef’s kiss.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use pre-cooked chorizo?

A1: Yes! Pre-cooked or cured chorizo works great—just chop it up and mix with the cheese for easy stuffing.

Q2: What cheese works best?

A2: Sharp cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda all melt beautifully and complement the chorizo.

Q3: Can I make this ahead of time?

A3: Definitely! You can stuff the chicken a day in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just sear and bake when ready to serve.

Q4: Is this recipe spicy?

A4: It depends on the chorizo you use. Spanish chorizo tends to be milder, while Mexican chorizo brings more heat.

Q5: Can I grill this instead?

A5: Yes, but make sure the filling is secure and cook over medium heat until done. Indirect heat works best for even cooking.

Q6: What’s the best side dish for this?

A6: Roasted sweet potatoes, Mexican rice, or a simple salad all pair beautifully with the bold flavors.

Q7: Can I freeze it?

A7: Yes, freeze the stuffed (but uncooked) chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and cook as directed.

Q8: How do I keep it from drying out?

A8: Don’t overcook it, and be sure to let it rest before slicing. Using a thermometer helps a lot here.

Q9: Can I make it dairy-free?

A9: Sure—just use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.

Q10: What herbs pair well with this dish?

A10: Fresh cilantro, thyme, or parsley all add a great herbal finish to balance the smoky, rich filling.

Conclusion

Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast is what happens when comfort food and bold flavors come together for a weeknight dinner you’ll actually look forward to. It’s simple, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent—in the best way. So go ahead, turn up the flavor dial and dig in. You deserve it.

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