Chorizo Chile Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
This cheesy, chorizo-stuffed chicken is basically my new comfort food obsession because it combines all my favorite flavors into one epic dish. Plus, the ease of preparing it with a crispy sear and oven bake makes it a go-to for impressing friends without breaking a sweat.
I love preparing meals that are wholesome and scrumptious. This Chorizo Chile Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast is as healthy as it is flavorful.
Creamy Monterey Jack cheese and zesty, spicy chorizo make the stuffing melt-in-your-mouth good. Add in the flavorful, bright green chiles, along with some smoked paprika, and this recipe will take your run-of-the-mill chicken breasts to a new level.
Ingredients
Monterey Jack Cheese: Gives a creamy texture and a mild taste, is high in calcium and protein.
Chorizo sausage: Fatty and flavorful, with a smoky spice, adds richness, body, and depth to savory dishes.
Green chiles are mildly spicy, vibrant in flavor, and low in calories.
They are packed with vitamins.
Olive oil is very healthy for your heart.
It adds a lot of flavor.
And it is a wonderful way to cook evenly.
Paprika in a Culinary Context: Rich in flavor and color, and remarkably high in antioxidants, paprika is a remarkable ingredient.
Of course, you already knew that.
As with many other ingredients, there are types of paprika that are better than others.
For instance, when it comes to the sweet variety, if you can find the Spanish version of dulce pimentón, buy it.
Don’t hesitate.
Ingredient Quantities
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked chorizo sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Set your oven to heat at 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Monterey Jack cheese that has been shredded, the chorizo that has been cooked and crumbled, and the green chiles that have been diced.
3. Take each chicken breast and butterfly it by cutting it in half horizontally but not all the way through, creating a pocket that ensures the breast stays whole.
4. Pack each chicken breast pocket with a mixture of cheese and chorizo, making sure to secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
5. Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Warm a big skillet that can go in the oven over medium-high heat and pour in some olive oil.
7. In the hot skillet, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are a golden brown.
8. Place the skillet in the oven, which has been preheated to the temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While there, allow it to bake for 20 to 25 minutes. At the end of that time, you should confirm that the chicken is cooked all the way through. One way to do that is to check the internal temperature, which should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower, and the chicken is not nice and safe to eat.
9. Take out the skillet from the oven, and allow the chicken to rest a few moments before it is served.
10. If desired, serve with lime wedges on the side and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Toothpicks (optional)
6. Small bowl
7. Large oven-safe skillet
8. Tongs
9. Meat thermometer
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese?Definitely! Cheddar or pepper jack cheese can be excellent substitutes when you’re looking to add extra flavor.
- Is there a substitute for the chorizo?A spicy Italian sausage can be used, and for a vegetarian version, it can even be omitted.
- How do I ensure the chicken is cooked through?Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature. It should be at least 165°F (75°C) to guarantee doneness.
- Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?Definitely prepare the filling a day ahead of time. Refrigerate the filling until you’re ready to stuff the chicken.
- What other seasonings can be added?Add cumin or chili powder for a more robust flavor.
- Can I bake instead of pan-frying the chicken?Sure, bake them in a 375° F (190° C) oven for about 25-30 minutes or so, until done.
- Can I make this dish less spicy?For a milder taste, use mild green chiles and reduce the amount of chorizo.
Substitutions and Variations
Mozzarella or cheddar cheese diverges in flavor from Monterey Jack, making it an imperfect substitute. However, mozzarella and cheddar can work in many recipes calling for Monterey Jack, especially melted applications, where the flavor matters less than the texture.
Chorizo sausage: Use zesty regular Italian sausage or yield soy chorizo for a chorizo-level vegetarian option.
Chopped green chiles: Substitute with jalapeños or red bell peppers for a milder taste.
Avocado oil or melted butter can replace olive oil.
Paprika smoked: Use standard paprika or chipotle powder in its place if you desire a more fiery dish.
Pro Tips
1. Cheese Variety: For an extra flavor twist, consider mixing in some pepper jack cheese with the Monterey Jack to add a bit of heat to the stuffing.
2. Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme to the spice rub for additional depth of flavor on the chicken.
3. Chorizo Alternative: If you prefer a milder sausage, try using turkey chorizo or even Italian sausage as a substitute, ensuring it’s fully cooked and crumbled before mixing with the cheese.
4. Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender and flavorful.
5. Crispy Top: For an extra crispy top, sprinkle a little extra cheese over the chicken breasts during the last 5 minutes of baking. Switch to the broiler setting if desired for a bubbly, golden finish.
Chorizo Chile Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
My favorite Chorizo Chile Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Mixing bowl
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Toothpicks (optional)
6. Small bowl
7. Large oven-safe skillet
8. Tongs
9. Meat thermometer
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked chorizo sausage, crumbled
- 1/4 cup diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Set your oven to heat at 375°F (190°C).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the Monterey Jack cheese that has been shredded, the chorizo that has been cooked and crumbled, and the green chiles that have been diced.
3. Take each chicken breast and butterfly it by cutting it in half horizontally but not all the way through, creating a pocket that ensures the breast stays whole.
4. Pack each chicken breast pocket with a mixture of cheese and chorizo, making sure to secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
5. Combine the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
6. Warm a big skillet that can go in the oven over medium-high heat and pour in some olive oil.
7. In the hot skillet, sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are a golden brown.
8. Place the skillet in the oven, which has been preheated to the temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While there, allow it to bake for 20 to 25 minutes. At the end of that time, you should confirm that the chicken is cooked all the way through. One way to do that is to check the internal temperature, which should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Any lower, and the chicken is not nice and safe to eat.
9. Take out the skillet from the oven, and allow the chicken to rest a few moments before it is served.
10. If desired, serve with lime wedges on the side and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro.
