Description
Mediterranean-inspired sun dried tomato feta stuffed chicken delivers a symphony of tangy and creamy flavors in one elegant dish. Juicy chicken breasts embrace zesty tomatoes and crumbled feta, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 ounces (113 grams) crumbled feta cheese
- 4 ounces (113 grams) sun-dried tomatoes in oil, strained and diced
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, minced
- Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste
Cooking and Coating Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons pesto
- ⅓ cup pesto (to coat chicken)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Craft a precise pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally into the thickest section, maintaining the integrity of the outer edges.
- Create a vibrant filling by thoroughly blending sun-dried tomatoes, feta, pesto, and parsley into a cohesive mixture.
- Delicately season the interior of each chicken pocket with salt and pepper, ensuring balanced flavor penetration.
- Generously fill each chicken breast cavity with the prepared tomato-feta mixture, gently pressing to distribute evenly without tearing the meat.
- Secure the stuffed pockets using toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Massage the exterior of each chicken breast with additional pesto, enhancing the overall aromatic profile.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating an ideal searing environment.
- Carefully place stuffed chicken breasts into the hot pan, allowing a golden crust to develop on each side.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and continue cooking, periodically turning the chicken to ensure uniform browning and thorough cooking.
- Monitor internal temperature, aiming for 165°F (75°C), which typically requires 20-25 minutes depending on breast thickness.
- Uncover during the final cooking moments to achieve a beautifully caramelized exterior.
- Remove toothpicks before serving and let the chicken rest briefly to retain moisture.
Notes
- Prep like a pro by creating a clean, precise pocket in chicken breasts without piercing sides, ensuring perfect stuffing containment.
- Mixing sun-dried tomatoes, feta, and pesto creates an explosion of Mediterranean flavors that elevate this simple chicken dish.
- Secure stuffed pockets with toothpicks to prevent delicious filling from leaking during cooking, maintaining a beautiful presentation.
- Medium-low heat and covered pan technique guarantees juicy, evenly cooked chicken without drying out the delicate meat.
- Always use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing undercooked chicken and ensuring food safety.
- Removing the lid during final cooking minutes allows beautiful golden-brown exterior, adding appetizing color and slight crispness to the chicken’s surface.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 44 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg