Stuffed chicken breasts
Stuffed chicken breasts are a versatile dish that´s both visually appealing and delicious. Prepare boneless, skinless chicken breasts to form pockets, then generously fill each pocket with the mixture of ingredients. The filling possibilities are vast, ranging from a blend of spinach and cheese to a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. When filling and sealing carefully, we ensure that the chicken breasts remain intact during cooking. This dish not only presents a visually appealing main course but also promises a burst of flavour with each bite.
The art of stuffing chicken breasts provides an opportunity for creativity in the kitchen, allowing individuals to tailor the dish to the preferences. Experiment with various ingredient combinations and select the one you find the best for your palate. Whether you opt for a savoury and herb-infused stuffing or a blend of cheeses and vegetables, stuffed chicken breast offers a delightful fusion of textures and tastes.
This dish is often served as a main course for special occasions, dinner parties, or family gatherings. You can bake, grill, or pan-sear stuffed chicken breasts, offering flexibility in preparation methods to suit different preferences and occasions. The pan-searing technique brings beautiful golden perfection to the chicken and cooking further in the oven makes the stuffing meld with the meat. This dish is not only a feast for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it a standout option for special occasions.
Stuffed chicken breasts
Ingredients
1 cup = 250ml
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
For the filling
- 100 grams of cream cheese
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup finely chopped spinach
- 1 tsp pepper powder
- salt Check the notes
For the masala coating
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp Pepper
- 1 tbsp oil + 2 tbsp for frying
- Salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board. Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, without cutting all the way through, to create a pocket for stuffing.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients mentioned under the filling ingredients.
- Check the salt content before adding extra salt because some cheese will have salt.
- Stuff each chicken breast with this filling, ensuring not to overfill.
- Secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the stuffing in place.
- In a separate bowl, mix all the ingredients under the masala coating, add oil and form a paste.
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with this masala paste.
- Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a cast iron skillet and add the chicken breast to sear the masala on the chicken breasts. Sear the chicken until it’s browned on both sides. If the skillet gets too hot or the masala starts to burn, reduce the heat to medium.
- The actual cooking time will depend on the thickness of the chicken breast. You’ll likely need to finish cooking in the oven to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a greased baking dish. If you have extra filling left from the stuffed chicken breast, you can add it to the baking dish before placing it in the oven. This can enhance the flavours of the dish and provide additional moisture.
- Just make sure to distribute the filling evenly around the chicken breasts in the baking dish. It can contribute to a delicious sauce or gravy as the chicken cooks.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the centre.
- Remove the toothpicks before serving.
- Serve with boiled/roasted potatoes and a salad.
- Enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken breasts!
Notes
