Juicy Chicken Breast with Savory Stuffing: A Delicious Recipe
This recipe takes classic chicken breast to the next level with a flavorful, herbed stuffing that's both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a delicious and impressive meal without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe focuses on several key elements for perfectly cooked and flavorful chicken:
- Butterflying the Breast: This technique ensures even cooking and faster cooking time, preventing dry, overcooked chicken.
- Flavorful Stuffing: A blend of herbs, vegetables, and breadcrumbs creates a savory stuffing that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Simple Technique: The steps are straightforward, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
Ingredients You'll Need:
For the Chicken & Stuffing:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, sage – mix and match!)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Serving (Optional):
- Roasted vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, carrots)
- Rice or mashed potatoes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Butterfly each chicken breast by cutting it horizontally almost all the way through, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through!
- Lightly season the inside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Make the Stuffing
- Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the herbs and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove from heat and stir in breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
- Spoon the stuffing evenly into the pockets of the chicken breasts.
- Secure the breasts with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
- Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure it's cooked properly.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.
- Slice and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overstuff: Overstuffing can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Get creative with stuffing: Experiment with different herbs, vegetables, and cheeses to customize the stuffing to your liking. Sun-dried tomatoes or cranberries would be delicious additions!
- Make it ahead: The stuffing can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
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