Stuffed chicken breast is a popular dish where a boneless and skinless chicken breast is filled with a flavorful mixture of ingredients before being cooked. The filling can include a variety of ingredients such as cheeses, vegetables, herbs, spices, and sometimes even meats. The chicken breast is typically butterflied or sliced open to create a pocket that can be filled with the mixture, and then it’s sealed using toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
Stuffed Chicken Breast
2
servings30
minutes20
minutesThe concept behind stuffed chicken breast is to enhance the flavor and texture of the chicken by adding complementary ingredients inside. This not only adds more taste to the dish but also helps keep the chicken breast moist and tender as it cooks.
Stuffed chicken breast can be customized in numerous ways, allowing for a wide range of flavor combinations.
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup of your preferred cheese (e.g., mozzarella, cheddar, feta)
1/4 cup spinach, chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil
Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Optional: additional seasonings like paprika, thyme, or rosemary
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to make a horizontal slit along the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- In a bowl, combine the cheese, chopped spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Use a spoon or your fingers to carefully stuff the chicken breast pockets with the filling mixture. Don’t overstuff, as it might be hard to close the pocket. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings and keep the filling in place.
- Brush or rub the stuffed chicken breasts with olive oil on both sides. Season with additional salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you prefer.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they develop a golden-brown sear.
- If your skillet is oven-safe, you can transfer it directly to the preheated oven. Otherwise, transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken breasts. Let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.