Stuffed chicken breast is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized with a variety of fillings to suit different tastes. Here’s a basic recipe you can try:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- ½ cup mozzarella or cream cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, but not all the way through, creating a pocket for the filling.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the spinach for a couple of minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), mozzarella or cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, making sure not to overfill.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to close the opening of the chicken breasts to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Slice and serve with a side of vegetables, rice, or salad.
Tips:
- You can get creative with the stuffing! Try adding other ingredients like mushrooms, goat cheese, bacon, or artichokes for different flavors.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
This dish is perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress with minimal effort!