Irresistible Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat

This delicious copycat recipe for Ruth’s Chris stuffed chicken features a decadent, savory cheese filling encased in a tender chicken breast with a perfectly seared, crispy exterior. By employing a dual-cooking technique of pan-searing and oven-baking, this dish achieves a restaurant-quality finish that remains juicy while delivering a rich, molten center.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Indulgent Flavor Profile – The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious, multi-dimensional cheese experience that rivals fine-dining standards.
• Superior Meat Texture – Searing the chicken before baking locks in moisture and develops a golden crust, preventing the protein from becoming dry or bland.
• Low-Carb and Gluten-Free – This recipe offers a high-protein, keto-friendly meal that provides maximum satisfaction without the use of breading or grains.
• Professional Presentation – Slicing into the stuffed breast reveals a vibrant spinach and cheese swirl, making it an impressive centerpiece for guests.
• Efficient Kitchen Timing – With a total time of 45 minutes, you can produce a sophisticated, “steakhouse-style” dinner in less time than it takes to get a table.
• Customizable Filling – The cheese and herb base is highly adaptable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your personal palate or pantry availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The Protein

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Large, thick breasts are ideal for creating a deep pocket to hold the generous filling.
• Olive oil for cooking – Used for pan-searing to provide a golden-brown finish and prevent the chicken from sticking to the skillet.

The Savory Filling

• 1 cup spinach, chopped – Adds a fresh, earthy component and a vibrant color contrast to the creamy cheeses.
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened – Acts as the velvety, smooth base that binds the other cheeses and herbs together.
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded – Provides the classic, stretchy “cheese pull” and a mild, milky sweetness.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Introduces a sharp, salty umami depth that seasons the filling from within.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Injected for a bold, aromatic punch that balances the richness of the dairy.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A concentrated herb blend that provides an authentic, rustic Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Fundamental seasonings used to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken and cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a small baking dish by lightly greasing it, ensuring the chicken has a dedicated space to finish cooking after the initial sear.

Whisk the Filling In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, mixing until the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the cheese.

Stuff the Chicken Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each pocket, pressing gently to seal the edges as much as possible.

Sear for Color Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken in the pan and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until the exterior is golden brown and crispy; this step is vital for flavor development via the Maillard reaction.

Bake to Finish Transfer the seared breasts to the prepared baking dish. Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through.

Rest and Serve Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 3–5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the molten cheese filling to set slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• The Softened Secret – Ensure your cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature before mixing; cold cream cheese will remain lumpy and won’t integrate with the spinach properly.
• Toothpick Security – If the pocket seems too loose, use a few toothpicks to “stitch” the opening shut during the searing process to prevent the cheese from leaking out.
• Avoid Over-Slicing – When creating the pocket, stop about half an inch from the edges to ensure the breast maintains its structural integrity.
• Dry the Meat – Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel before searing; any surface moisture will create steam and prevent the crispy crust from forming.
• Internal Temperature – Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken (not the filling) to ensure it hits exactly 165°F for optimal juiciness.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 2 portions (1 breast each)
• Calories: 450 kcal per serving (Estimation based on standard full-fat ingredients).

Perfect Pairings

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – The creamy potatoes act as a neutral base to soak up any cheese that escapes the chicken.
• Roasted Asparagus – A snappy, green vegetable that balances the richness of the cream cheese filling.
• Caesar Salad – The crisp romaine and acidic dressing provide a refreshing palate cleanser between savory bites.
• Chilled Chardonnay – A buttery white wine complements the Parmesan and cream cheese profile beautifully.

Ideal Occasions

• Romantic Anniversary Dinners – Provides a “high-end restaurant” feel in the comfort of your own home.
• Healthy Meal Prep – The chicken stays moist when reheated, making it an excellent gourmet lunch for the following day.
• Low-Carb Hosting – An elegant way to accommodate guests on ketogenic or gluten-free diets without making a separate meal.
• Sunday Family Dinners – A comforting, hearty dish that feels more special than a standard roasted chicken.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note that the cheese filling will firm up significantly when cold.
• Reheating Instructions – Reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 10–12 minutes to restore the creaminess of the center without drying out the meat.
• Wait to Slice – Never slice the chicken immediately upon removal from the oven, or the molten cheese filling will run out onto the plate.
• Cold Serving – Sliced cold, this chicken makes an excellent addition to a high-protein salad or grain bowl.

Creative Variations to Try

• Sun-Dried Tomato & Feta – Swap the spinach and mozzarella for sun-dried tomatoes and feta for a Mediterranean-inspired saltiness.
• Spicy Jalapeño Popper – Add diced jalapeños and crispy bacon bits to the cream cheese mixture for a zesty, smoky kick.
• Mushroom & Swiss – Replace the spinach and mozzarella with sautéed mushrooms and shredded Swiss cheese for an earthy profile.
• Pesto Filling – Mix two tablespoons of basil pesto into the cream cheese for a nutty, herbaceous green center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Cheese Leaking in Skillet – This usually happens if the pocket is too large or the heat is too high. Solution: Use toothpicks to seal the opening and maintain medium heat.
• Dry Chicken Exterior – Over-searing or over-baking is the culprit. Solution: Pull the chicken from the oven the moment it hits an internal temperature of 160°F; residual heat will carry it to 165°F.
• Soggy Crust – This occurs if the pan wasn’t hot enough or the chicken was crowded. Solution: Ensure the oil is shimmering before adding the meat and use a large skillet.
• Bland Filling – Spinach can dilute flavor. Solution: Be generous with the Parmesan and garlic, and ensure the Italian seasoning is fresh.

Why This Recipe Works

The success of this recipe lies in thermal insulation and the Maillard reaction. The dense cheese filling acts as an internal insulator, allowing the chicken to cook from the inside out while preventing the protein fibers from tightening too rapidly and becoming tough. The initial high-heat sear triggers the Maillard reaction on the surface, creating complex savory flavors that are then deepened during the steady, dry-heat roasting in the oven. At approximately 450 calories per serving, this meal provides a satiating balance of high-quality protein and fats with minimal impact on blood glucose levels.

Final Thoughts

The Copycat Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken is a masterclass in elevating a simple chicken breast into a gourmet experience. It delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that feels far more complex than its 45-minute preparation time suggests. For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese for a low-fat Greek yogurt-based spread, though the original full-fat version provides the most authentic steakhouse result.