Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed chicken breast brings robust flavors from jalapeños, cream cheese, and spices. Chefs can craft this delicious main course with simple ingredients and create a memorable meal you will savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup (240 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ⅓ cup (35 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup (50 g) sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 cups (85 g) spinach (packed, roughly chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsps (10 mL) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil (or reserved oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- ½ tsp (2.5 g) paprika
- ½ tsp (1 g) dried basil
- ½ tsp (1 g) dried oregano
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Filling Preparation: Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil until greens wilt and become aromatic, creating a vibrant base for the stuffing.
- Cheese Blend: Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with dried herbs, whisking until a smooth, luxurious mixture forms.
- Stuffing Composition: Fold wilted spinach and sun-dried tomatoes into the cheese mixture, ensuring even ingredient distribution.
- Chicken Preparation: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly dry and carefully slice a deep pocket along the side, avoiding complete separation.
- Stuffing Process: Carefully fill each chicken breast with the cheese and vegetable mixture, maintaining a controlled, even distribution.
- Seasoning: Generously coat the exterior with a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance the flavor profile.
- Searing Technique: Heat oil in a heavy skillet until extremely hot, then sear stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Oven Finishing: Transfer skillet directly to a preheated 375°F oven, allowing chicken to cook thoroughly and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Resting Period: Allow chicken to rest for several minutes, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Plating: Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes and roasted green beans to complete this elegant, restaurant-quality dish.
Notes
- Ensure Dry Chicken: Pat chicken breasts thoroughly with paper towels to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent steaming.
- Knife Technique Matters: Use a sharp knife and create a precise pocket without piercing through the meat to maintain structural integrity.
- Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing food safety and juicy chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking, letting juices redistribute for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg