Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile and elegant dish that can be prepared in numerous ways. This recipe features chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy mixture of cheese and herbs, providing a rich and flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a special occasion, these stuffed chicken breasts are sure to impress. Let’s dive into the recipe.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small tomato, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Toothpicks (for securing the chicken breasts)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breasts

1. Butterfly the Chicken: Start by butterflying the chicken breasts. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Hold a sharp knife parallel to the cutting board and carefully slice through the side of the breast, stopping just before cutting it completely in half. Open the breast like a book.
2. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika.

Step 2: Make the Filling

1. Combine Cheeses and Herbs: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, and minced garlic. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken Breasts

1. Add the Filling: Spoon an even amount of the cheese mixture onto one side of each butterflied chicken breast. Top with a few thin slices of tomato.
2. Close the Chicken Breasts: Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the filling. Use toothpicks to secure the edges and keep the filling inside during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Breasts

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown.
3. Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Rest the Chicken: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and flavorful chicken.
2. Garnish and Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts. Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve the stuffed chicken breasts hot, with your favorite sides.

Cooking Notes

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Goat cheese, feta, or even blue cheese can add unique flavors to the dish.
• Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary can be added to the filling for additional flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms can be added to the cheese mixture for extra texture and flavor.

Variations

• Spinach and Artichoke Stuffed Chicken: Mix chopped spinach and artichoke hearts with cream cheese and mozzarella for a variation inspired by spinach artichoke dip.
• Bacon-Wrapped Stuffed Chicken: Wrap the stuffed chicken breasts in bacon before searing and baking. This adds a delicious smoky flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Pesto and Tomato Stuffed Chicken: Spread a layer of pesto on the inside of the chicken breasts before adding the cheese and tomato slices.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version, ensure that the cheeses used are low in carbs and avoid any breading. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to keep the meal low-carb.

Low Carb Version

For a lower-carb version, follow the same steps and serve the stuffed chicken with low-carb side dishes like cauliflower rice, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or a green salad.

Stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. The combination of juicy chicken with a flavorful, cheesy filling is sure to be a hit at any meal. This recipe provides a solid foundation that you can customize with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal, stuffed chicken breasts are an excellent choice that will impress and satisfy. Enjoy making and savoring this delightful dish with your loved ones!