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
- 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.
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and paprika.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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!
