Stuffed chicken breasts are a fantastic way to turn a simple chicken dinner into something special. The combination of tender chicken with a flavorful stuffing can be customized to your taste. Here’s a versatile recipe to make delicious stuffed chicken breasts:
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken Breasts:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Stuffing (Choose one option or create your own):
Option 1: Spinach and Feta Stuffing
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano or basil
Option 2: Mushroom and Swiss Stuffing
- 1 cup mushrooms, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Option 3: Sun-Dried Tomato and Mozzarella Stuffing
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Optional Sauce:
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup white wine (or additional chicken broth)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or thyme)
Instructions
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Prepare the Stuffing:
- Choose your stuffing option and mix all the ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Pound them gently with a meat mallet or rolling pin to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
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Stuff the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Spoon the stuffing mixture onto one side of each chicken breast.
- Carefully fold the other side of the chicken breast over the stuffing and secure with toothpicks. You can also use kitchen twine to tie the chicken breasts if preferred.
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Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. This helps to seal the chicken and add extra flavor.
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Bake the Chicken:
- 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). The stuffing should be hot and the chicken should be cooked through.
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Prepare the Optional Sauce (if using):
- While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, combine chicken broth, white wine, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in chopped fresh herbs and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks or twine from the chicken breasts before serving.
- Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and drizzle with the optional sauce if desired.
- Serve with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Tips
- Stuffing Variations: Feel free to experiment with other stuffing ingredients, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or bacon.
- Chicken Size: If your chicken breasts are very large, you may need to adjust cooking times or use additional stuffing.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time, then store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Enjoy your delicious and flavorful stuffed chicken breasts, a meal that’s sure to impress!
