Indulge in Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat at Home

There’s something undeniably satisfying about the buttery, cheesy stuffed chicken at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese filling, and a golden, crispy exterior is pure comfort on a plate. But did you know you can recreate that indulgence in your very own kitchen?

Our Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat recipe brings all the flavors of the iconic steakhouse dish into your home with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal, this recipe is your answer.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This recipe is more than just a copycat—it’s a celebration of flavor and texture. Here’s why it’s so irresistible:

• Cheesy and creamy inside: A luscious blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and sharp cheddar melts beautifully inside the chicken pockets.
• Perfectly seared skin: Searing the chicken before baking locks in juices and creates a golden, crispy exterior.
• Simple yet gourmet: Uses pantry staples but delivers a restaurant-quality taste.
• Quick preparation: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight indulgence.
• Customizable flavors: Adjust spices or cheeses to match your preferences.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s the full list of ingredients for this Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat recipe, organized by components for clarity:

Cheese Filling

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp dried parsley
• ¼ tsp paprika

Chicken

• 2 large boneless skin-on chicken breasts
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Cooking

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter

Garnish (optional)

• Chopped fresh parsley

Yield: 2 servings

Tools & Equipment Needed

To make this recipe perfectly, you’ll need:

• Oven-safe skillet or baking sheet
• Sharp knife for cutting pockets in chicken
• Mixing bowl
• Spoon or spatula for mixing and filling
• Toothpicks (optional, for securing the pockets)
• Meat thermometer (for perfectly cooked chicken)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully for a perfectly stuffed, juicy chicken breast.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet or prepare an oven-safe skillet to cook the stuffed chicken.

2. Prepare the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Monterey Jack, sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and paprika until well combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a deep pocket into the thick side of each breast, taking care not to slice all the way through. Season the outside with salt and black pepper.

4. Stuff the Chicken

Spoon half of the cheese filling into each chicken pocket, pressing the edges together to seal. Secure with toothpicks if needed to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.

5. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts skin-side down and sear for 3–4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown.

6. Bake to Perfection

Flip the chicken over and transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly.

7. Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Remove toothpicks, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Options: Swap cheddar or Monterey Jack for Gruyère, Fontina, or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
• Add Bacon: A slice of crispy bacon inside each pocket adds smoky richness.
• Spice it Up: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese filling for a subtle kick.
• Herb Infusion: Fresh thyme or rosemary in the filling complements the creamy cheese perfectly.
• Cooking Method: Use a grill-safe skillet or ovenproof pan for a smoky sear, or broil the chicken for the final 2 minutes for extra golden color.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This stuffed chicken is creamy, cheesy, and savory, with subtle aromatic notes from the Worcestershire sauce and spices. The skin adds a crunchy texture contrast while the filling melts in your mouth.

Suggested Side Dishes:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans
• Caesar salad or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Soft dinner rolls or warm artisan bread

Nutritional Overview

Nutrient	Amount (per serving)
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Unsaturated Fat	10 g
Carbohydrates	5 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	800 mg
Sugar	5 g
Cholesterol	100 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if paired with gluten-free sides; contains dairy.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Cheese Filling: Can be made 1 day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
• Chicken Prep: Pocketed and stuffed chicken can be prepped ahead and cooked just before serving.
• Storage: Leftover cooked stuffed chicken can be stored in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheated gently in the oven.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use skinless chicken breasts?
A: Yes, but the chicken won’t have the same crispy exterior. Consider brushing with oil or butter and broiling briefly to mimic the golden crust.

Q2: How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
A: Seal the edges carefully and secure with toothpicks. Don’t overfill.

Q3: Can I freeze the stuffed chicken?
A: Yes, assemble and wrap in foil for freezing before cooking. Bake from frozen, adding extra time.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute cream cheese and shredded cheeses with vegan alternatives. Flavor may slightly differ.

Q5: Can I scale this recipe for more servings?
A: Absolutely. Adjust the filling and chicken accordingly, and bake in a larger skillet or baking dish.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep	10 minutes
Sear Chicken	3–4 minutes
Bake	15–18 minutes
Rest & Serve	5 minutes
Total	30 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Plate on a warm serving dish with cheese oozing from the pockets.
• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness.
• Pair with roasted vegetables and a simple salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Ruth’s Chris Spinach & Cheese Chicken: Add chopped spinach to the cheese filling.
2. Bacon & Cheddar Stuffed Chicken: Include crumbled cooked bacon inside the pocket.
3. Spicy Stuffed Chicken: Mix smoked paprika or cayenne into the cheese filling.
4. Herb & Garlic Delight: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives for enhanced aroma.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the filling. Use full-fat for the richest flavor.

Monterey Jack & Cheddar Cheese: Combines meltability and sharp flavor. Monterey Jack is creamy and mild, while cheddar adds depth and tang.

Chicken Breast: Opt for thick, skin-on chicken breasts for juicy, flavorful results. Pat dry before cutting pockets for better searing.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Knife Skills: Cut pockets carefully; a sharp knife makes precise cuts with minimal tearing.
• Searing: Sear skin-side down first to lock in juices and create a golden, crisp exterior.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is perfectly cooked without drying out.
• Resting: Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to retain moisture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Cheese Filling: Refrigerate up to 24 hours; freeze up to 1 month.
• Cooked Chicken: Store in airtight container in fridge for 2–3 days.
• Freezing Cooked Chicken: Wrap individually in foil; reheat in oven to maintain crispy skin.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	35 g
Fat	30 g
Saturated Fat	15 g
Unsaturated Fat	10 g
Carbohydrates	5 g
Fiber	0 g
Sodium	800 mg
Sugar	5 g
Cholesterol	100 mg

Expanded Conclusion

This Ruth’s Chris Stuffed Chicken Copycat recipe proves that indulgent, restaurant-quality meals can be made at home with simple ingredients and care. The creamy, cheesy filling paired with juicy, golden chicken breasts creates a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

Whether you’re cooking for family, date night, or a special occasion, this recipe elevates your dinner table with minimal effort. Try it, savor the cheesy goodness, and enjoy a little slice of steakhouse magic from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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