When it comes to dining at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, one of the most popular dishes that stands out among their extensive menu is the Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast. This dish, with its rich blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and seasonings, has won the hearts of many guests. The combination of juicy chicken with a flavorful cheesy filling is a comforting dish that never disappoints.
For those who want to replicate the magic of Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast at home, this detailed guide will help you create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the unique elements that make this dish special, provide a step-by-step recipe, share nutritional information, and even offer variations to suit different preferences. Let’s dive in!
Why Is Ruth Chris Stuffed Chicken Breast So Special?
The Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast has become famous due to its perfect combination of flavors. Unlike other stuffed chicken recipes, this version incorporates not only cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese but also dry Ranch seasoning and Worcestershire sauce, which add layers of complexity to the flavor. Additionally, the chicken is drizzled with a buttery lemon sauce after baking, giving it a fresh, tangy finish that perfectly complements the richness of the stuffing.
Here’s why it’s so beloved:
- Cream cheese: This provides the creamy, smooth texture that forms the base of the stuffing.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness of the cream cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile.
- Ranch seasoning: This seasoning mix adds a subtle herbaceous note, enhancing the flavors of the cheese and chicken.
- Worcestershire sauce: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds a deep umami flavor, making the stuffing even more savory.
- Lemon butter: Drizzling the chicken with melted lemon butter after baking adds a bright, tangy contrast to the dish.
The combination of these ingredients makes the stuffed chicken breast a perfect blend of richness, sharpness, and tang. It’s no wonder that many people seek out recipes to recreate this dish at home.
What Sets It Apart?
One of the standout features of this recipe is the use of Ranch seasoning in the stuffing. While many stuffed chicken recipes rely solely on cheese for flavor, the addition of Ranch seasoning elevates the dish, giving it a subtle herbal note. It also makes the recipe more accessible, as it uses pantry staples that are easy to find.
Another aspect that sets the Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast apart is the lemon butter drizzle. This final step brightens up the dish, ensuring that the rich, cheesy filling doesn’t overwhelm the palate. The lemon butter also adds an elegant finish, making it look and taste like something you’d find in a high-end restaurant.
For those who want to try different variations of stuffed chicken, here’s a cheddar ranch chicken burger recipe that incorporates some similar flavors but with a burger twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you begin making this dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts: Make sure they’re skinless and boneless for easy stuffing.
- 8 oz cream cheese: The main ingredient for the filling.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness to the filling.
- 1 packet dry Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning: You can easily find this in stores or online. Hidden Valley Ranch Seasoning is a great option.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami flavor to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic gives the filling a bit of a kick.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme (optional): Adds an herbal note, but it’s not necessary.
- 2 tablespoons lemon butter: This will be used to drizzle over the chicken after it’s cooked.
Ingredient Notes
- You can use reduced-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter version.
- Feel free to substitute sharp cheddar with another cheese like mozzarella or Swiss, depending on your taste preferences.
- If you want to skip the garlic, you can replace it with a garlic powder, but the fresh garlic gives it a better flavor punch.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Here’s how to create this delicious Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast at home:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). You’ll want a high temperature to ensure that the chicken breasts cook through and get a nice golden-brown finish on the outside.
2. Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Use a spatula to mix everything together until the filling is smooth and well-blended.
This filling is the heart of the dish, so take your time to ensure that the ingredients are fully incorporated. If you’re using fresh thyme, add it in at this stage.
3. Prepare the Chicken
Next, take your chicken breasts and carefully create a pocket for the stuffing. Using a sharp knife, cut a slit along the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. You want to create a deep pocket that can hold the cheese mixture without tearing the chicken.
Once you’ve created the pockets, set the chicken breasts aside.
4. Stuff the Chicken
Using a spoon or a small spatula, fill each chicken breast with the cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff the breasts to the point where the filling spills out.
Once you’ve stuffed the chicken, use toothpicks to secure the open edges. This will prevent the filling from leaking out while the chicken cooks.
5. Bake the Chicken
Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a greased baking dish, making sure they’re spaced out so that they cook evenly. Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Drizzle with Lemon Butter
While the chicken is baking, melt the lemon butter in a small saucepan or microwave. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the lemon butter over the top of each chicken breast. This step adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cheese filling.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving. You can slice the chicken to reveal the gooey, cheesy filling inside. Serve the chicken with your choice of sides.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve made the Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast, it’s time to think about what to serve it with. This dish is rich and filling, so pairing it with lighter sides is a good idea. Here are some suggestions:
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic choice that complements the richness of the chicken.
- Steamed vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus provide a light, crunchy contrast to the rich chicken.
- Garlic bread: Use homemade garlic butter for a flavorful side that adds a bit of crunch to your meal. Check out this roasted garlic butter recipe for an easy way to make it at home.
For more side ideas, you could also try the creamy shrimp boil from the sheet pan shrimp boil recipe, which pairs well with rich, cheesy dishes like this one.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Stuffed Chicken
Making stuffed chicken breast might seem intimidating at first, but with a few key tips, you can master this dish in no time:
1. Seal the Edges Properly
To prevent the cheese filling from leaking out while baking, make sure to seal the edges of the chicken tightly with toothpicks. You can also press the edges of the chicken breasts together before securing them with the toothpicks for an extra tight seal.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. This will guarantee that the chicken is fully cooked while keeping it moist and juicy.
3. Broil for a Golden Finish
If you want a crispy, golden finish on the outside of the chicken, switch your oven to the broil setting for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on the chicken to prevent it from burning.
4. Use Quality Ingredients
The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the final outcome of the dish. Use high-quality cheeses, fresh garlic, and fresh lemon juice for the lemon butter. These little details can make a big difference in the flavor of your finished dish.
Nutritional Information
While the Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast is undoubtedly delicious, it’s also a rich dish that’s fairly high in calories. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content for one serving (one chicken breast):
- Calories: 650-700
- Protein: 50g
- Fat: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
The high protein content makes this a great option for those following a high-protein diet, but the dish is also relatively high in fat due to the cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
Lighter Options
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit lighter, here are some easy modifications:
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and low-fat cheddar to cut down on the fat content without sacrificing too much flavor.
- Replace half of the cheese filling with spinach or mushrooms for a healthier, veggie-filled version of the dish.
- Reduce or eliminate the lemon butter drizzle to save on calories and fat.
Variations of the Recipe
One of the great things about this dish is that it’s easy to customize. If you want to switch things up, try one of these tasty variations:
1. Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken
For a healthier twist, add sautéed spinach to the cheese mixture before stuffing the chicken breasts. Spinach adds extra nutrients and fiber, while also lightening up the richness of the cheese filling.
2. Mushroom and Swiss Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Swap the cheddar cheese for Swiss cheese and add sautéed mushrooms to the filling for an earthy, savory version of this dish. The mushrooms add a meaty texture that complements the chicken perfectly.
3. Keto-Friendly Version
To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, stick with full-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese, and eliminate any carb-heavy sides. Serve the chicken with a side of cauliflower mash or steamed broccoli for a low-carb meal that’s still rich and satisfying.
For more keto meal ideas, you might want to try this air fryer chicken fries recipe, which offers a crispy alternative to traditional chicken.
FAQs
Can I Prepare the Stuffed Chicken Breast Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Preparing the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time is a great way to save time during busy weeknights or when hosting a dinner party. Simply prepare the chicken and stuffing as directed, but don’t bake the chicken yet. Instead, cover the prepared chicken breasts with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the instructions as normal.
How Can I Prevent the Stuffing from Leaking?
The key to preventing the stuffing from leaking is to properly seal the chicken breast with toothpicks. Be sure to insert the toothpicks along the entire edge of the chicken breast to keep the stuffing secure. Additionally, avoid overstuffing the chicken, as this can cause the filling to ooze out during baking.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Stuffed Chicken?
To reheat stuffed chicken, place the chicken in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until it’s heated through. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the chicken rubbery and cause the cheese filling to separate.
Can I Make a Dairy-Free Version of This Recipe?
Yes! If you need to make this dish dairy-free, simply substitute the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with dairy-free alternatives, such as almond or cashew-based cheeses. There are plenty of high-quality, dairy-free options available that melt well and taste delicious.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts either before or after baking. To freeze them before baking, stuff the chicken breasts as directed, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed. If you freeze the chicken after baking, simply reheat it in the oven as described above.
Conclusion
The Ruth Chris stuffed chicken breast is a comforting, indulgent dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With its cheesy, savory filling and flavorful lemon butter drizzle, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a favorite for those who want to recreate restaurant-quality meals in their own kitchen.
Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations we’ve shared, this dish is sure to impress. Pair it with light sides, like steamed vegetables or mashed potatoes, to create a balanced, satisfying meal that your whole family will love.
For more chicken recipe inspiration, don’t forget to check out this baked chicken and potatoes recipe, which offers another delicious way to enjoy chicken as a main course!
