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Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Stuffed chicken breasts are a juicy, tender main dish where chicken is sliced open to create a pocket filled with flavorful ingredients like spinach, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, or mozzarella. The chicken is seared until golden and then baked to perfection, resulting in a moist interior with a crispy exterior. The final dish boasts a vibrant, inviting appearance with melted cheese or wilted greens peeking through the slices.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded to even thickness if needed
  • 1 cup fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes finely chopped
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme or basil chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil good quality, fruity
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika for color and flavor
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Skillet
  • Oven-safe dish or skillet
  • Toothpicks

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully slice horizontally to create a pocket, being cautious not to cut all the way through.
  3. In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined and the filling looks cohesive.
  4. Using a spoon, fill each chicken pocket generously with the stuffing mixture, pressing it in gently to ensure it stays inside.
  5. If needed, secure each stuffed chicken breast with toothpicks to keep the filling in during searing and baking.
  6. Season the outside of each chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a vibrant color and smoky aroma.
  7. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan.
  8. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, listening for a gentle sizzle and watching for a rich brown crust to form.
  9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven or move the chicken to an oven-safe dish, then bake for 15-20 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) and the filling is bubbly.
  10. Remove the skillet from the oven, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then carefully remove toothpicks if used.
  11. Slice each stuffed breast and serve hot, spooning over any flavorful pan juices or garnishing with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving. Adjust stuffing ingredients to your preference—spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or cheeses can be swapped for variety.