Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe

If you're a fan of Ruth's Chris Steak House and their famous Stuffed Chicken, you're in for a treat! This decadent dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy, cheesy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and flavorful herbs. The chicken is then baked to perfection, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior with a luscious, savory filling inside. Whether you’re making it for a special dinner or simply craving something indulgent, this Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe is sure to impress.

What Is "Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken"?

Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken is a beloved menu item from the renowned steakhouse chain, Ruth's Chris. The dish features boneless, skinless chicken breasts stuffed with a rich, creamy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings. It's baked until golden and juicy, with a crispy exterior and a gooey, cheesy filling that melts in your mouth. This copycat recipe aims to recreate that luxurious restaurant-quality dish right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients List for Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious stuffed chicken at home:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large, around 8 oz each)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning the chicken)
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra richness)

Ingredients List for Optional Add-Ins (for extra flavor):

• Bacon Bits: Add ¼ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
• Spinach: Stir in ½ cup wilted spinach for a boost of greens.
• Herbs: Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or chives for an extra layer of flavor.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick, add finely chopped jalapeños into the cream cheese mixture.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

• Low-Fat Option: Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat cheddar for a lighter version of this dish.
• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free (especially pre-shredded cheese).
• Cheese Variations: Mix it up with your favorite cheeses—Gruyère, mozzarella, or gouda would all be delicious in the filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps to make the perfect Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe:

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket horizontally into the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through—you want the pocket to be deep enough to hold the stuffing. Season the inside and outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Make the Cheese Stuffing

In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.

4. Stuff the Chicken

Using a spoon, stuff the cheese mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff to the point where the chicken can’t be closed. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breast to keep the stuffing inside while it cooks.

5. Sear the Chicken

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage; the goal is just to get a nice golden crust.

6. Bake the Chicken

Transfer the skillet (or move the seared chicken to a baking dish if your skillet isn’t oven-safe) to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Optional: Baste with Butter

For extra richness, during the last 10 minutes of baking, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and baste the chicken breasts with it. This adds a beautiful golden color and enhances the flavor.

8. Let the Chicken Rest

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.

9. Garnish and Serve

Serve the Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. Enjoy with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad.

How to Cook Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

For the best Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken, follow these key tips:

1. Cut the Pocket Carefully: When slicing the chicken breast, take your time to ensure you don’t cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket that holds the cheese mixture but keeps the chicken intact.
2. Secure with Toothpicks: If the chicken breast doesn’t fully close after stuffing, use toothpicks to secure the edges so the cheese doesn’t leak out during cooking.
3. Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before baking locks in the moisture and gives the chicken a beautiful golden crust, which adds both flavor and texture.
4. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked while still remaining juicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these mistakes to ensure your Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken turns out perfect every time:

• Overstuffing the Chicken: Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breast, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking. Leave a little space so the chicken can close properly.
• Skipping the Sear: Don’t skip the step of searing the chicken before baking—it’s essential for developing flavor and getting a crispy exterior.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so make sure to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to perfection.
• Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain its juices, keeping it moist and tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Here are some ideas to make your Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken look as good as it tastes:

• Serve with Elegant Sides: Pair this rich and creamy dish with lighter sides like roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a mixed green salad for a balanced meal.
• Drizzle with Pan Juices: After resting, drizzle the chicken with any pan juices for added flavor and moisture.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Freshly chopped parsley or chives add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor to this dish.

How to Serve Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

Once your Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is ready, serve it hot with your favorite sides. Here are some ideas:

• With Mashed Potatoes: Serve the stuffed chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the rich, cheesy filling.
• With Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, serve the chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or green beans pair perfectly with the richness of the chicken.
• Over Pasta: The creamy filling is perfect served over buttered noodles or pasta for an indulgent meal.

Presentation Ideas for Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken

• Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken breasts on an angle and fan the pieces out on the plate to showcase the creamy filling inside.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the chicken with fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives for added color and flavor.
• Serve Family-Style: Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a large platter with the sides arranged around them for a beautiful, family-style presentation.

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and stuffing mixture in advance. Store the stuffed chicken in the fridge until you’re ready to sear and bake.
• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
• Freeze It: You can freeze uncooked stuffed chicken breasts for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuffing mixture ahead of time and store the stuffed chicken in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, sear and bake as directed.

2. What kind of cheese works best for the stuffing?
Sharp cheddar cheese works best for the signature flavor of Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken. However, you can use other cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Gouda for a different twist.

3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used, but they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

4. How can I prevent the stuffing from leaking out?
To prevent the stuffing from leaking, make sure not to overstuff the chicken and use toothpicks to secure the opening. This will help keep the filling inside as the chicken bakes.

Conclusion

This Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors right at home. With its crispy, golden exterior and rich, creamy filling, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just as a comforting dinner, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the luxurious flavors of Ruth’s Chris at your own dining table.

Happy cooking and bon appétit! 🍽️

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