Italian stuffed chicken breast is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal. This recipe features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a savory filling of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. The chicken is then baked to perfection, creating a deliciously moist and flavorful main course that will impress your family and friends. Serve this Italian stuffed chicken breast with a side of pasta or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredients for Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, for securing the chicken
How to Make Italian Stuffed Chicken Breast:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound them to an even thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Make the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture onto each chicken breast, dividing it evenly among them. Roll up the chicken breasts, starting at one end, and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the stuffing inside.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine from the chicken and slice each breast into thick slices. Serve hot and enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
Chicken Breast:
Chicken breast is a lean source of protein that is versatile and easy to cook. Pounding the chicken breast to an even thickness helps it cook more evenly and allows for easy stuffing.
Spinach:
Spinach is a nutrient-rich leafy green vegetable that adds color, flavor, and texture to the stuffing. It is also packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy addition to this dish.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich and intense tomato flavor to the stuffing. They are slightly sweet and tangy, complementing the savory flavors of the chicken and cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese:
Mozzarella cheese is a mild and creamy cheese that melts beautifully, making it ideal for stuffing chicken breasts. It adds a gooey and cheesy texture to the dish.
Italian Herbs and Spices:
Dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder are classic Italian seasonings that add depth and flavor to the stuffing. They complement the other ingredients and give the dish its Italian-inspired flair.
Tips for Success:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have toothpicks or kitchen twine, you can use small skewers to secure the chicken.
- Customize the filling by adding ingredients like chopped olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh herbs.
- Serve the stuffed chicken breast with a side of marinara sauce or pesto for extra flavor.
This Italian stuffed chicken breast recipe is a delicious and impressive dish that is sure to become a favorite. With its flavorful filling and moist, tender chicken, it’s a meal that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this dish with your loved ones and savor the delicious flavors of Italy!
