– **Title**: Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup marinara sauce (plus extra for serving)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to form the filling.
3. Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
4. Take a generous portion of the filling and place it in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the sides over and roll tightly to enclose the filling. Secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.
6. Pour the marinara sauce over the seared chicken breasts, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
8. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving with extra marinara sauce on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Use large, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. If you prefer, chicken thighs can work too, offering more flavor and juiciness.
Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella provides a gooey texture. You can swap it for provolone or fontina cheese for a different flavor profile.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess to the stuffing. Cottage cheese can be a lighter swap if you want something lower in fat, but it will change the texture a bit.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring a tart, rich taste. If you don’t have them, fresh tomatoes can work, but consider adding a little more seasoning since they are less concentrated.
Basil: Fresh basil really brightens the dish. If it’s out of season, use dried basil or even spinach as an alternative.
How Do I Safely Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Creating the pocket in the chicken breast can be a bit tricky, but here are a few tips to make it easier. First, let the chicken breasts rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the chicken. Hold one hand against the breast for stability.
- Make a horizontal cut from the thicker side towards the thinner end, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through.
- Be gentle and take your time! Practice makes perfect.
Once stuffed, if you’re using toothpicks, ensure they are fully inserted to keep everything in. This will help prevent the filling from oozing out while cooking!
How to Make Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stuffing:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- Olive oil, for cooking
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Italian stuffed chicken recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at roughly 45-60 minutes before it’s ready to enjoy. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken will cook evenly and thoroughly.
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, a pinch of salt and pepper, and the Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This cheesy mixture will be the star of your stuffed chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice it open along one side to create a pocket. Make sure not to cut all the way through; you just want enough space to stuff your cheesy filling inside.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Use a spoon to fill each chicken pocket with the cheese mixture. If the opening is too wide, you can use toothpicks to hold it closed while cooking—just remember to remove them before serving!
5. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are nice and golden brown. This step adds a lovely flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, now is the time to take them out. Then, slice the stuffed chicken and serve it garnished with fresh parsley. Pair it with a green salad or your favorite side dish for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese for the Filling?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of ricotta, you can substitute it with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor. For the mozzarella, try using provolone or fontina cheese for a richer taste. Just remember to adjust the quantities based on how creamy or cheesy you want the filling to be!
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
You can make several adjustments to lighten this dish! Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for less fat, opt for low-fat cheese varieties, and replace the olive oil with a light cooking spray. You could also add more vegetables to the stuffing, like spinach or zucchini, for added nutrients.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time, store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and simply bake them when you’re ready to eat. Just ensure they’re covered tightly to prevent drying out and keep the stuffing fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but be careful not to overheat it as the chicken can dry out.
