If you've ever been to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know that their Stuffed Chicken is one of the most popular menu items. It’s a decadent dish featuring juicy, tender chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy blend of cheese and flavorful seasonings, then roasted to perfection. Luckily, you don’t need to visit the restaurant to enjoy this savory treat — with this copycat recipe, you can make it right at home! Keep reading for a detailed guide to making Ruth’s Chris-inspired stuffed chicken, along with variations, cooking tips, and more!

What Is Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken?

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is a restaurant-favorite dish made with large, juicy chicken breasts that are split and stuffed with a rich mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and herbs. The chicken is seared to lock in moisture and then baked until the outside is golden and the inside is perfectly creamy and flavorful. It’s an indulgent dish that works well for special occasions, but it’s also simple enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Pair it with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad, and you’ve got an unforgettable meal.

Ingredients List for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

To recreate this delicious dish at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Stuffed Chicken:

4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for searing)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken

Substitutions and Variations

There are a few ways to adjust this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Here are some suggestions:

Cheese Options: While cream cheese and cheddar are classic for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Herbs and Seasonings: You can swap out the parsley and thyme for other herbs like rosemary, oregano, or basil. Fresh herbs can also be used in place of dried herbs.
Low-Fat Version: To make this dish lighter, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste great.
Add Spinach: For an extra layer of flavor and nutrition, mix in some chopped, cooked spinach with the cream cheese stuffing.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken at home:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice each one in half horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. This is where you’ll stuff the delicious cheese mixture.

Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Filling

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, thyme (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

Spoon the cheese mixture evenly into each chicken breast, packing the filling into the pocket you created earlier. Use toothpicks to close the edges of the chicken breasts, securing the filling inside.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step adds flavor and locks in the moisture. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through yet — the oven will finish the job.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Place them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese filling is melted and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the cheese to set slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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

If you want to ensure your Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken comes out perfectly every time, follow these key tips:

Don’t Overstuff the Chicken: Be careful not to overfill the chicken breasts. If you pack too much filling in, it may ooze out during cooking. Use just enough filling to comfortably fit inside the pocket.
Sear Before Baking: Searing the chicken before baking adds flavor and helps the chicken retain its moisture. Be sure to get a good golden-brown crust on the chicken in the skillet.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking or undercooking, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let It Rest: Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to settle, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken: One of the most common mistakes is overcooking, which can dry out the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
Skipping the Sear: While you can technically bake the chicken without searing it, you’ll miss out on the extra depth of flavor and crispy exterior that searing provides.
Using Cold Cheese Filling: Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smooth filling that’s easy to spread inside the chicken breasts.

Serving and Presentation Tips

For an impressive meal, presentation is key. Here’s how to serve your Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken for maximum visual appeal:

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken:

As a Main Course: Serve the stuffed chicken alongside mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or a simple pasta for a complete meal.
With Vegetables: Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts to add freshness and balance to the rich, creamy chicken.

Presentation Ideas for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken:

On a Platter: Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts on a large serving platter, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color.
Sliced for Serving: For an elegant presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts in half to reveal the cheesy filling. Serve on individual plates with the filling side up.
Cast Iron or Ovenproof Skillet: If you seared the chicken in a cast-iron skillet, you can bake and serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, restaurant-style presentation.

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

Toothpicks Are Key: Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts, ensuring the filling stays inside while cooking. Just remember to remove them before serving!
Make It Ahead: You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking, then refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. This makes it a great option for entertaining or meal prepping.
Extra Filling: If you have any leftover cheese filling, it can be used as a dip for crackers or spread on toasted bread for a quick snack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. However, since thighs are smaller, you may need to make smaller pockets for the filling, or consider rolling them up with the filling inside.

2. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can stuff and sear the chicken a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if the chicken is cold.

3. Can I freeze stuffed chicken?
While it’s possible to freeze the stuffed chicken before baking, the texture of the cream cheese filling may change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, wrap the stuffed chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

4. How long does the leftover stuffed chicken last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Conclusion

With this Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe, you can bring restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of juicy chicken and a rich, cheesy filling makes this dish a hit for both family dinners and special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this stuffed chicken recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy a taste of Ruth’s Chris Steak House right from your own oven!