Prepare to fall in love with Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce—a truly mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for any night you want something a little extra special. Imagine juicy chicken breasts stuffed to the brim with vibrant spinach, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and gooey mozzarella, all kissed by the smoky grill. Then, to top it off, there’s a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that makes every bite feel indulgent. This recipe is a total showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to pull off, and it turns everyday chicken into an unforgettable centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how just a handful of well-chosen ingredients come together for maximum flavor and a gorgeous presentation. Every item brings something essential to Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce—taste, texture, or even a pop of color.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for easy stuffing and even grilling, plus they serve as the perfect blank canvas for the vibrant filling.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a slight earthiness that balances out the richness of the cheese and cream.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Pack a punch of sweet-tart flavor and a chewy texture that contrast beautifully with the tender chicken.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into ooey gooey goodness, helping to hold the filling together and making each bite irresistibly creamy.
- Olive oil: Keeps the chicken juicy on the grill and lends a subtle fruity richness.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory depth and brings out other flavors in the filling.
- Italian seasoning: A shortcut to big, aromatic flavor—think hints of basil, oregano, and thyme in every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Simple, but essential. They bring the whole dish into perfect balance.
- Butter: Adds a luxurious base to the cream sauce and helps meld the flavors together for a silky finish.
- Garlic (minced): Gives the sauce a gentle kick and aromatic warmth that pairs wonderfully with Parmesan.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that thick, luscious sauce that drapes over your stuffed chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers plenty of sharp, savory flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Bring a subtle heat to the cream sauce, making every bite a bit more exciting.
How to Make Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, gently slice each one horizontally to create a pocket, making sure not to cut all the way through. This step helps the delicious filling stay put while grilling. If you’ve never butterflied chicken before, don’t worry—a little patience goes a long way, and the payoff is totally worth it!
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Give it all a good stir until the mixture looks evenly combined and the colors are nicely speckled throughout. This vibrant filling will melt together inside the chicken, creating that signature Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce experience.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Carefully spoon the filling into each pocket you’ve created in the chicken breasts. Use your fingers or a spoon to gently press it in, making sure you don’t overfill. Secure the open edges with toothpicks—this keeps all that wonderful flavor inside when you grill. Season both sides of the stuffed chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for extra flavor infusion.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Place your stuffed chicken breasts on the grill, close the lid, and cook for about 6–7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should have gorgeous grill marks while the inside stays melty and moist.
Step 5: Make the Cream Sauce
While the chicken is grilling, grab a saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and (if you like a gentle heat) the crushed red pepper flakes. Let it all simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens—a glorious, golden, creamy blanket perfect for the finished chicken.
Step 6: Plate and Serve
Once the chicken is done and slightly rested, remove the toothpicks and place the stuffed breasts on a serving platter. Generously spoon the luxurious cream sauce over each breast. That moment you pour the sauce is guaranteed to wow everyone at the table, making your Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce shine as the star of the meal.
How to Serve Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce
Garnishes
Nothing finishes off Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce quite like a shower of fresh chopped parsley or basil. Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a pretty, savory touch, and maybe a few extra sun-dried tomato pieces for color and flair. These little touches make every plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This chicken is the hero of any meal, but pairing it with light, colorful sides takes everything up a notch. Try serving it with garlic-roasted asparagus, a crisp green salad, or lemony rice pilaf. The cream sauce loves to mingle with fluffy mashed potatoes or sautéed veggies, soaking them in delicious flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
When you want to impress, slice each stuffed chicken breast crosswise into medallions and fan them out on a serving platter, drizzled with sauce. Or serve atop a bed of wilted spinach for extra color and nutrition. If you’re entertaining, consider mini versions using chicken tenders for easy, elegant appetizers featuring Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any remaining Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making lunch the next day a real treat! Keep leftovers for up to three days to enjoy fresh, cheesy, and full of satisfying flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, let the stuffed chicken cool completely, wrap each breast individually in plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. The stuffed chicken itself freezes beautifully—just avoid freezing the cream sauce, as it can separate when thawed.
Reheating
To bring leftover stuffed chicken back to life, gently reheat in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you made extra sauce, reheat it separately in a saucepan over low heat, whisking constantly until silky smooth. Avoid microwaving, which can make the filling rubbery and the sauce less creamy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and keeps things classic, provolone or even fontina work well for a nuttier, slightly sharper flavor. Feel free to experiment and make this Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce uniquely yours.
Is the red pepper flakes in the cream sauce necessary?
Nope, the crushed red pepper flakes are entirely optional. They just add a little kick to the sauce. If you don’t want any heat, simply leave them out—the sauce will still be wonderfully rich and flavorful.
What kind of grill works best for this recipe?
You can use either a gas or charcoal grill for Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce. Just be sure to preheat it to medium-high and oil the grates well to prevent sticking. If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or even an oven broiler can work in a pinch.
Can I make the cream sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream sauce up to a day in advance. Store it in a covered container in the fridge, then gently reheat it on the stove while stirring to restore its silky texture right before serving.
How can I be sure my chicken is cooked through?
The most reliable way is to use an instant-read thermometer—the chicken is perfectly done at 165°F. Try not to cut into it while cooking, as this can let precious juices escape. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling for maximum juiciness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to wow your friends, treat your family, or just spoil yourself, give Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce a try. From its gorgeous good looks to the burst of flavorful, creamy filling and sumptuous sauce, this recipe is proof that a little extra effort can turn even a weeknight meal into something unforgettable.
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Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the savory delight of Grilled Stuffed Chicken with Cream Sauce, a flavorful dish that combines juicy chicken breasts filled with a delicious spinach, sun-dried tomato, and mozzarella mixture, grilled to perfection and served with a rich cream sauce.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cream Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket. Mix spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella. Stuff each breast, secure with toothpicks, season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill, brush grates with oil. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan, sauté garlic, add cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks from chicken, drizzle with cream sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach or provolone for mozzarella.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 48g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
