Cooking a frozen stuffed chicken breast takes about 50-60 minutes in a 350°F oven. The exact time depends on a few factors like the size of the chicken breast and if it’s bone-in or boneless. Here’s a detailed guide to perfectly cooking frozen stuffed chicken breasts:
Thawing
It’s best to thaw frozen stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Thawing helps ensure the filling is fully cooked through. Here are thawing times:
- Refrigerator: Thaw overnight (12-24 hours) on a plate or tray in the fridge.
- Cold water: Submerge chicken in cold water and change water every 30 minutes. Takes 2-3 hours.
- Microwave: Use the defrost setting if available. Takes around 10-15 minutes.
Oven Temperature and Time
Cook thawed, frozen stuffed chicken breasts at 350°F. Use these oven times as a guide:
| Chicken Breast Size | Cook Time |
|---|---|
| 6-8 oz boneless | 45-55 minutes |
| 10-12 oz bone-in | 55-65 minutes |
Cooking times vary based on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. Bone-in breasts take slightly longer. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness and cook until the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Tips for Stuffed Chicken
Follow these tips for perfectly cooked, juicy stuffed chicken breasts:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to an even thickness.
- Avoid overstuffing chicken, which can cause filling to leak out.
- Brush chicken with oil or melted butter before cooking for browning.
- Bake in a shallow baking dish so chicken cooks evenly.
- Cover dish with foil to prevent over-browning then remove for last 10-15 minutes.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting for juicy results.
How to Tell If It’s Done
Check for these signs your stuffed chicken breasts are fully cooked:
- Internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Juices run clear when pierced with tip of a knife.
- Coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Filling is steaming hot and165°F.
Serving Suggestions
Stuffed chicken breasts pair nicely with these side dishes and sauces:
- Rice pilaf or roasted potatoes
- Sauteed vegetables like zucchini or broccoli
- Fresh green salad
- Au jus or mushroom gravy
- Marinara sauce
Leftover Stored Chicken
Properly stored, leftover stuffed chicken keeps for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheating tips:
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store chicken and filling separately.
- Reheat to 165° in microwave, oven or skillet.
- Discard chicken if left out over 2 hours.
Conclusion
Allow 50-60 minutes to bake frozen stuffed chicken breasts at 350°F. Thaw chicken first, cook to an internal temperature of 165°F and let rest before serving. With the proper thawing, baking, and storage, you can safely enjoy delicious homemade stuffed chicken.