Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat Recipe

If you've ever had the pleasure of dining at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, you know that their stuffed chicken is a masterpiece of flavor and richness. The perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken breasts stuffed with creamy, cheesy filling and baked to perfection are absolutely irresistible. Now, you can recreate this savory dish in the comfort of your own kitchen! Follow this guide for a step-by-step process to make a Ruth's Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat recipe that will impress your family and guests. So, let's dive in and master this recipe together!

What is Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken?

Ruth's Chris stuffed chicken is a popular dish served at the famous Ruth’s Chris Steak House. It features boneless, skinless chicken breasts stuffed with a decadent mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and flavorful seasonings. The chicken is baked to golden perfection, making the skin crispy while keeping the inside incredibly juicy and flavorful. The combination of the rich, cheesy filling with the tender chicken creates a dish that is both comforting and indulgent, making it a favorite among steakhouse enthusiasts.

Ingredients List for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

Here’s a comprehensive list of ingredients you will need to make this scrumptious dish:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  Make sure to choose high-quality, fresh chicken breasts for the best results.
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  Cream cheese is the star of the filling, giving it that smooth and creamy texture.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  This adds a nice sharpness and extra creaminess to the stuffing.
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  Enhances the flavor profile with a subtle garlicky kick.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
  Adds a slight savory note to balance out the richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  This herb provides a lovely earthy and aromatic touch to the dish.
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
  For a hint of spice and to elevate the flavors.
• 1 teaspoon salt
  Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the filling.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  To sear the chicken breasts and give them a lovely golden crust before baking.
• Toothpicks
  These are necessary to keep the chicken breasts closed and prevent the filling from leaking out.

Substitutions and Variations

If you’d like to tweak the recipe a little to suit your preferences or dietary needs, here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Cheese Variations
  Instead of cheddar cheese, you can experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère for a unique flavor.
• Add Bacon
  You can take this recipe up a notch by adding crispy, cooked bacon to the stuffing mixture for an added layer of smoky flavor.
• Herb Substitutions
  Feel free to swap thyme for herbs like rosemary, parsley, or oregano based on your taste preferences.
• Low-Fat Version
  You can use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar if you’re looking for a lighter version of the dish.
• Spinach Addition
  For a nutritional boost, mix in some sautéed spinach with the cheese filling. This adds color and a bit of earthiness to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's ready for baking once you’ve stuffed and seared the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it's well combined and you have a smooth, creamy filling.

Step 3: Butterfly the Chicken Breasts

Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally through the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through. You should be able to open each chicken breast like a book, creating a pocket for the stuffing.

Step 4: Stuff the Chicken

Spoon the cream cheese mixture into the chicken breasts, making sure to spread it evenly. Close the chicken breasts and use toothpicks to secure the edges and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.

Step 6: Bake the Chicken

Once the chicken breasts are nicely seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully cooked but still juicy.

Step 7: Let It Rest

Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful.

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

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the cheese filling by combining cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and seasonings.
3. Butterfly the chicken breasts to create a pocket for the filling.
4. Stuff the chicken with the cheese mixture and secure it with toothpicks.
5. Sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overstuffing the Chicken
  Make sure not to overfill the chicken breasts, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during cooking.
• Skipping the Sear
  Searing the chicken before baking gives it a beautiful golden-brown color and adds extra flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Undercooking
  Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked without being dry.
• Not Letting the Chicken Rest
  Allowing the chicken to rest after baking ensures that the juices are redistributed, keeping the chicken moist and tender.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving a rich and indulgent dish like Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken. Here are some tips to make it look as good as it tastes:

• Slice the Chicken
  For an elegant presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts at a diagonal angle, revealing the creamy filling inside.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
  Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top of the chicken for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve with Colorful Sides
  Pair the chicken with vibrant sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad to create a visually appealing and well-rounded meal.

How to Serve Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

This rich and flavorful dish is best served alongside simple sides that won’t overpower the chicken. Here are a few serving ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes
  Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect complement to the stuffed chicken, adding a comforting element to the meal.
• Steamed Vegetables
  Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus add a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Buttered Rice or Quinoa
  A light and fluffy side like buttered rice or quinoa can help balance the indulgence of the cheese-stuffed chicken.

Presentation Ideas for Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken

• Plate with Sauce
  Drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction or herb-infused olive oil around the plate for an added gourmet touch.
• Use a Wooden Board
  For a rustic presentation, serve the stuffed chicken on a wooden cutting board, garnished with sprigs of fresh herbs.
• Individual Cast Iron Skillets
  Serve the chicken directly in small, individual cast-iron skillets to keep it warm and add a cozy, steakhouse-inspired vibe.

Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese
  Make sure the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature to make mixing easier and ensure a smooth filling.
• Pat the Chicken Dry
  Before stuffing and searing, pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help it brown nicely during cooking.
• Secure the Chicken with Toothpicks
  Don’t forget to secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear and bake as instructed.

Q: Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
A: Absolutely. You can freeze the uncooked stuffed chicken for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat the stuffed chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A: While boneless chicken breasts are preferred for ease of stuffing, you can use bone-in breasts. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Recreating Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken at home is simpler than you think! With high-quality ingredients and careful preparation, you can enjoy this rich, savory dish without stepping foot in a restaurant. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy dinner at home, this stuffed chicken is sure to impress. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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