Stuffed chicken just got a colorful, comforting makeover. These Ube Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts combine the creamy richness of ube-infused macaroni and cheese with juicy baked chicken, finished with a golden cheddar-breadcrumb crust. It’s the kind of dish that turns heads and satisfies every cheesy craving — a perfect marriage of familiar and adventurous.
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’ve never had ube (purple yam) in a savory dish, this is the best place to start. It gives the mac ‘n’ cheese a subtly sweet, nutty flavor and a vibrant purple hue that makes this dish pop on the plate. Pair that with tender, seasoned chicken and a crispy, cheesy topping? You’ve got dinner showstopper status. It’s creative, comforting, and completely unforgettable.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked ube mac ‘n’ cheese (use your favorite mac recipe and stir in ube purée)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Ube Mac ‘n’ Cheese: Use leftover mac or make a simple stovetop version with ube purée mixed into a classic cheese sauce.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar works best for contrast, but gouda or mozzarella melt beautifully too.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch; try seasoned ones for more flavor.
- Chicken: Try chicken thighs for a juicier option — just adjust baking time accordingly.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Butterfly the Chicken
Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a pocket (don’t cut all the way through). Open flat like a book.
3. Season the Chicken
Sprinkle the inside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff with Ube Mac
Spoon half of the ube mac ‘n’ cheese into each chicken breast. Fold the top over to enclose the filling.
5. Coat with Topping
In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. Brush the outside of each stuffed breast with olive oil, then press the cheese-breadcrumb mixture onto the top.
6. Bake
Place the stuffed chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve
Slice and serve immediately, letting that purple cheesy filling spill out with pride.
Tips for Success
- Secure the Chicken: Use toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside while baking.
- Don’t Overstuff: It’s tempting, but too much filling can make it hard to seal.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer — chicken is safe at 165°F.
- Let It Rest: Resting for 5 minutes before slicing helps keep the juices in.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This recipe is rich and colorful on its own, but here’s how to complete the meal:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables
- Add These Sheet Pan Quesadillas for a fun dinner party pairing
- Round it out with This Dorito Casserole for full-on cheesy bliss
- Pair with This Beer Cheese Dip for appetizer-hour success
- Add These Totchos to turn dinner into a bold comfort food night
- Or snack on This Crockpot Nacho Dip while it bakes
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven or air fryer to keep the crust crispy.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked, assembled chicken breasts for up to 1 month. Thaw and bake fresh.
More Recipes You Will Love
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears in Minutes
- These Totchos Are My Favorite Party Food Hack: Tater Tot Nachos for the Win
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
Final Thoughts
These Ube Mac ‘n’ Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breasts are cheesy, colorful, and unlike anything else on the dinner table. They’re fun, unexpected, and packed with the kind of comforting, cheesy goodness that makes every bite memorable.
Try them for your next dinner twist and tag @ChefManiac to show off your purple-powered creation! For more comfort food with a creative kick, keep following along at ChefManiac.
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