If you're a fan of Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, you’ve probably tried their incredibly delicious stuffed chicken breast. This mouthwatering dish has a creamy, cheesy center wrapped inside tender, juicy chicken breast, perfectly seasoned and roasted to golden perfection. Now, you can recreate this restaurant-quality stuffed chicken at home with this easy-to-follow copycat recipe. Read on to learn how to make Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken, along with helpful tips, substitutions, and presentation ideas that will elevate your dish to the next level.

What is Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken?

Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken is one of the most popular dishes on the steakhouse's menu. It features chicken breasts stuffed with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and savory seasonings. The result is a rich and creamy filling that pairs perfectly with the juicy, seasoned chicken breast. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, making a special meal for a loved one, or simply craving a restaurant-style dish, this stuffed chicken recipe is the perfect choice. Plus, it’s easier to make than you might think!

Ingredients List for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

To make this delicious stuffed chicken recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Choose large, thick breasts to ensure there's enough space to stuff them.
8 oz cream cheese (softened) – Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich and creamy filling.
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded) – The sharpness of the cheddar adds a great contrast to the creamy filling.
2 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic enhances the flavor of the filling.
1 tablespoon onion powder – Adds a subtle onion flavor to the stuffing mixture.
1 teaspoon salt – For seasoning the filling and chicken breasts.
1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of heat to the filling.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped) – Adds a touch of freshness and color to the filling.
1 teaspoon paprika – This gives the chicken a beautiful color and slight smokiness when roasted.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing the chicken before baking.
Toothpicks – To secure the stuffed chicken breasts during cooking.

Ingredients List for Optional Garnishes

To take your Ruth's Chris stuffed chicken to the next level, consider adding a few optional garnishes for enhanced flavor and presentation:

Fresh parsley – Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
Lemon wedges – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish.
Extra sharp cheddar – If you want to add a bit more cheesiness, sprinkle some shredded cheddar on top of the stuffed chicken before serving.

Substitutions and Variations

While this recipe sticks closely to the classic Ruth’s Chris version, there are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

Cheese: If you prefer a different flavor profile, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses like Swiss and Parmesan.
Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. For example, you can add Italian seasoning, Cajun spices, or even a bit of smoked paprika for added depth.
Low-fat option: If you want to cut down on the richness, you can use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.
Spinach-stuffed version: Add some chopped spinach to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor. You can sauté the spinach with garlic before mixing it into the cheese filling.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken at home is easy with this step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready when the chicken is seared.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Use a spatula or spoon to mix everything until it's well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Take each chicken breast and carefully butterfly it by slicing horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. This will create a pocket for the stuffing. Gently open the chicken breasts like a book.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Spoon the cream cheese and cheddar mixture into the center of each butterflied chicken breast. Be generous with the filling but make sure the breasts can still close without too much spillage. Secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the stuffed chicken breasts to the pan. Sear each side for 2-3 minutes until the outside is golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

After searing the chicken breasts, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you're using a different cheese or adding more filling, check the chicken's doneness carefully, as thicker filling may take longer to cook.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a juicier bite.

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

Cooking Ruth's Chris stuffed chicken involves a combination of searing and baking to get that crispy, golden exterior and perfectly cooked, tender chicken. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key cooking steps:

Preheating: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures that the chicken bakes evenly.
Stuffing the chicken: Carefully stuff the butterflied chicken breasts with the cheesy filling. Use toothpicks to seal the edges, which keeps the stuffing from oozing out during cooking.
Searing: Sear the chicken on the stovetop in hot oil to get a crispy, golden crust. This step locks in the juices and adds flavor.
Baking: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the chicken until fully cooked through. This dual-cooking method ensures the chicken is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your stuffed chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

Overstuffing the chicken: If you add too much filling, it will spill out during cooking. Stick to a reasonable amount that allows the chicken to close properly.
Not sealing the chicken properly: Make sure to use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breast, or the filling may leak out.
Skipping the searing step: Searing the chicken helps develop a golden crust that adds flavor and texture. Don’t skip this step!
Undercooking the chicken: Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is everything, especially when recreating a dish as elegant as Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken. Here are some ideas to make your dish look just as appealing as it tastes:

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Sliced: For a restaurant-quality presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts diagonally into thick medallions. This exposes the delicious filling and creates a stunning visual effect.
Whole: Alternatively, you can serve the stuffed chicken breasts whole on individual plates, garnished with fresh parsley or a lemon wedge for added color.

Presentation Ideas for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Drizzle with sauce: For added richness, drizzle a light cream sauce or a balsamic reduction over the top of the chicken. This not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a polished, gourmet look.
Serve with sides: Pair your stuffed chicken with complementary sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

Here are a few extra tips to make sure your stuffed chicken turns out perfectly every time:

Use a meat thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking the chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Experiment with fillings: Once you master the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different fillings like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time, refrigerate them, and then cook them just before serving. Just be sure to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.

Can I freeze stuffed chicken?

Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking them. Simply thaw them in the fridge overnight before searing and baking as usual.

What sides pair well with this dish?

This stuffed chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad. For a more indulgent meal, consider serving it with garlic mashed potatoes or creamed spinach.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. This guarantees that the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Conclusion

With this Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken copycat recipe, you can now enjoy the flavors of a fine steakhouse meal right in the comfort of your own home. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion. Follow the step-by-step guide, avoid common mistakes, and experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own. Now, it's time to impress your family and friends with your culinary skills—happy cooking!