Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory filling of sun dried tomatoes and tangy feta cheese. In this article, we’ll explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe step by step.
1. Introduction to Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken
Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of tender chicken, rich sun dried tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese creates a burst of flavor in every bite.
2. Ingredients Needed
To make Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Stuffed Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts
- Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Feta Cheese
- Fresh Spinach (optional)
- Garlic
- Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper
For Seasoning:
- Italian Seasoning
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open up the chicken breasts like a book and flatten them slightly with a meat mallet or the palm of your hand.
Next, chop the sun dried tomatoes and mince the garlic. If using fresh spinach, wash and dry it thoroughly. Crumble the feta cheese into small pieces.
4. Assembling the Stuffed Chicken
Lay the flattened chicken breasts out on a clean work surface. Spread a layer of sun dried tomatoes, garlic, and crumbled feta cheese evenly over each chicken breast. If using fresh spinach, layer it on top of the other fillings.
Carefully roll up each chicken breast, starting from one end, and secure the seam with toothpicks to prevent the filling from falling out during cooking.
5. Cooking Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the stuffed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
Sear the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot skillet until golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is heated, about 20-25 minutes.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil, if desired. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
7. Variations and Customizations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add other ingredients to the filling, such as chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh basil, for additional flavor. You can also use different cheese varieties, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a unique twist.
8. Tips for Success
To ensure that your Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken turns out perfectly every time, follow these tips:
- Use thinly sliced chicken breasts for faster and more even cooking.
- Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Be sure to secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
9. Health Benefits of Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken
While Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish, it does offer some nutritional benefits. Chicken breasts are a good source of lean protein, while sun dried tomatoes provide vitamins and antioxidants. Enjoying this dish in moderation as part of a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and well-being.
10. Conclusion
In conclusion, Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful filling and juicy chicken, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is sure to impress.
Source: willcookforsmiles.com
Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Sun Dried Tomato Feta Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that features juicy chicken breasts stuffed with a savory filling of sun dried tomatoes and tangy feta cheese. In this article, we'll explore how to make this mouthwatering recipe step by step.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts as even in size to each other as possible
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 4 oz sun dried tomatoes in oil oil strained (diced)
- 2 Tbsp fresh Italian parsley minced
- 3 Tbsp pesto
- Salt
- fresh cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup pesto to coat chicken
- 2 Tbsp olive oil for cooking
Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay chicken breast flat on the cutting board. Carefully, slide the knife (hold it sideways with blade facing away from you) at the top (wider part) of the chicken breast, in the center, and cut a pocket in the middle.DO NOT slice all the way through the bottom or the sides of the chicken breast. Your ultimate goal is to create a pocket inside the breast with opening at the top. Repeat with all the chicken breasts.
- In a small bowl, mix minced sun dried tomatoes, Feta cheese, pesto, and parsley. Mix well until evenly combined.
Stuff the Chicken:
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper inside each chicken breast pocket.
- Stuff each chicken breast with equal amount of tomato/feta mixture, making sure it is evenly distributed through the pocket. Lightly press each chicken breast. Use a couple of toothpicks to secure the opening of the pocket.
- Rub outside of each chicken with some pesto.
Cooking the chicken:
- Preheat a large cooking pan over medium heat and add olive oil. Place stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Let it sear and flip.
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook over medium-low heat until done, flipping the chicken half way though, making sure that both sides get nice and golden (lots of flavor comes from the chicken cooked to golden brown). Take the lid off during the last few minutes of cooking.This could take 20-30 minutes, depending on thickness of the chicken.