Description
Succulent Tuscan stuffed chicken delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors, whisking diners straight to Italian countryside kitchens. Creamy spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and melted mozzarella create a luxurious filling that promises a delightful culinary escape you won’t soon forget.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Vegetables:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing for a delectable chicken preparation.
- In a mixing bowl, blend cream cheese, spinach, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until smooth and cohesive.
- Carefully create a deep pocket in each chicken breast, ensuring the cut doesn’t separate the meat completely.
- Generously fill the chicken pockets with the prepared mixture, incorporating roasted red pepper strips and mozzarella cheese.
- Secure the chicken pockets with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella cheese over the seared chicken breasts.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven, baking for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from oven and allow chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain moisture.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve the aromatic Tuscan stuffed chicken immediately.
Notes
- Customize the stuffing by swapping spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a nutritional boost and different flavor profile.
- Use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt to create a lighter version without compromising taste and texture.
- Ensure chicken breasts are similar in size for even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the filling for an extra Mediterranean-inspired twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg