Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Citrus Sauce
Elevate your dinner with these Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken Breasts, bursting with flavor from creamy roasted garlic hummus, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese. This dish combines tender chicken with a zesty citrus sauce, creating a perfect balance between savory and tangy. Great for impressing guests or just treating yourself, these stuffed breasts are easy to prepare yet look stunning on the plate. Remember not to overstuff the chicken to prevent any filling from escaping during cooking. A quick skillet sear followed by a simmer in a vibrant orange sauce makes this meal both simple and sophisticated.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (Pounded to 1/2 inch thickness)
Hummus
1/4 cup (Roasted garlic recommended)
Spinach leaves
8 (Fresh)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup (Grated)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (For frying)
Salt
To taste (For seasoning)
Pepper
To taste (For seasoning)
Orange juice
1/2 cup (Freshly squeezed recommended)
Chicken broth
1/2 cup (Low sodium preferred)
Your favorite spice blend
To taste (For seasoning (e.g., Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Magic))
Instructions
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1. Begin by laying a piece of plastic wrap over a cutting board. Place one chicken breast in the center and cover it with another layer of plastic wrap. Gently pound the chicken with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it is about 1/2 inch thick. Repeat with the second chicken breast.
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2. Once pounded, season both sides of each chicken breast lightly with your favorite spice blend, salt, and pepper. Layer a few spinach leaves over the chicken, then spread half of the hummus on each breast, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
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3. Carefully roll each chicken breast starting from one edge, making sure the filling stays inside. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine if necessary. Season the outside of the rolled chicken with additional salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese.
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4. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet to sear. Allow them to brown for about 3-4 minutes, then gently flip and brown the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
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5. Once both sides are nicely browned, pour the orange juice and chicken broth into the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the pan partially with a lid, allowing the chicken to cook through. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), checking the temperature of the hummus filling as well.
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6. When done, carefully remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. Slice the rolls into rounds and serve, drizzling the orange sauce from the skillet over the top.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless skinless chicken breasts.
What type of hummus is recommended for the filling?
Roasted garlic hummus is recommended for the best flavor profile.
How thin should I pound the chicken breasts?
The chicken breasts should be pounded to approximately 1/2 inch thickness.
What kind of cheese is included in the stuffing?
Grated Parmesan cheese is used inside the stuffing and for seasoning the outside.
How many spinach leaves are used per recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 fresh spinach leaves to be distributed between the chicken breasts.
What is the base for the citrus sauce?
The sauce is made from a combination of orange juice and chicken broth.
How do I prevent the filling from falling out while cooking?
Secure the rolled chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine and avoid overstuffing.
What is the recommended internal cooking temperature?
The chicken and the hummus filling should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Should I use fresh or store-bought orange juice?
Freshly squeezed orange juice is recommended for the best taste.
How long should I sear the chicken on each side?
Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side until nicely browned.
What tools can I use to pound the chicken?
A meat mallet or a rolling pin can be used to pound the chicken flat.
Why should I use plastic wrap when pounding chicken?
Plastic wrap prevents the meat from tearing and keeps the workspace clean.
Can I use a specific spice blend for seasoning?
Yes, a poultry spice blend like Paul Prudhomme's Poultry Magic is suggested.
What is the purpose of the chicken broth in the sauce?
The chicken broth adds savory depth and helps simmer the chicken through without drying it out.
How should the chicken be served once cooked?
It should be rested for a few minutes, sliced into rounds, and drizzled with the pan sauce.
Is olive oil used for frying or the sauce?
Olive oil is used in the skillet for searing the chicken rolls.
What type of chicken broth is preferred?
Low sodium chicken broth is preferred for this recipe.
Can I substitute the spinach?
While fresh spinach is recommended, other leafy greens could be used as a variation.
Which side should I sear first?
Place the chicken rolls seam-side down in the skillet first to help seal them.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe serve?
The recipe is written for 2 large chicken breasts, which can be sliced into several rounds.
Do I need to cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, cover the pan partially with a lid while simmering in the sauce.
Is this a good recipe for entertaining guests?
Yes, the dish is described as simple to prepare but sophisticated and stunning on the plate.
What should I do after the chicken is fully cooked?
Carefully remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
What flavor balance does the citrus sauce provide?
The sauce provides a zesty, tangy balance to the savory chicken and hummus.
Can I use kitchen twine instead of toothpicks?
Yes, kitchen twine is a suitable alternative for securing the chicken rolls.
What happens if I overstuff the chicken?
Overstuffing may cause the filling to escape into the pan during the cooking process.
Is the Parmesan cheese only used inside?
No, Parmesan cheese is used both inside the stuffing and sprinkled on the outside of the rolls.
Can I use regular garlic hummus?
Yes, while roasted garlic is recommended, any hummus variety will work.
What heat level should I use for searing?
Use medium-high heat for searing and then reduce to medium for simmering.
Should the orange juice be added before or after searing?
The orange juice should be added after both sides of the chicken have been browned.