Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese
Elevate your dinner with this exquisite Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a tantalizing blend of rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant herbs. This recipe offers versatility, as you can choose to use skin-on chicken for a classic presentation or boneless variations for convenience. The stuffing not only imbues the chicken with delightful flavors but can also be used to top the chicken just before baking for an extra boost of scrumptiousness. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
4
Servings
170
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
sun-dried tomato
1/2 cup (rehydrated and chopped)
goat cheese
2 ounces (crumbled)
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon (none)
boneless chicken breasts
4 (wing still attached or regular chicken breasts)
fresh basil or fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a baking sheet with vegetable cooking spray or lightly grease it.
2
In a bowl, combine the rehydrated and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, dried basil, and fresh basil or parsley. Mix until well incorporated.
3
Take each boneless chicken breast and, using a sharp knife, create a horizontal slit about 2 inches long to form a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
4
Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the prepared filling. If necessary, secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside during cooking.
5
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat with a bit of oil or vegetable spray. Grill the stuffed chicken breasts for approximately 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
6
Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Optionally, sprinkle any remaining stuffing over the top of each breast for extra flavor.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Avoid overcooking to maintain juiciness.
8
Remove from the oven, discard toothpicks if used, and garnish with additional chopped basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
7g
Carbs
18.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Stuffed Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Goat Cheese?
It is an exquisite dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with a blend of rehydrated sun-dried tomatoes, creamy goat cheese, and fragrant herbs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for the stuffing?
The stuffing is made from rehydrated and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, dried basil, and fresh basil or parsley.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 170 calories.
How much protein is in this stuffed chicken recipe?
There are 18.25 grams of protein per serving.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I create a pocket in the chicken breast?
Using a sharp knife, create a horizontal slit about 2 inches long into each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Can I use skin-on chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken for a classic presentation or boneless variations for convenience.
How long should I grill the chicken before putting it in the oven?
Grill the chicken for approximately 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
What is the total baking time?
The chicken should bake for about 25 minutes or until it is no longer pink in the center.
How do I keep the stuffing inside the chicken while cooking?
If necessary, you can secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks.
What can I do with any leftover filling?
Any remaining stuffing can be sprinkled over the top of each breast before baking for extra flavor.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and features lean protein and fresh herbs.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 7g of carbohydrates.
What type of cheese is used in this Mediterranean recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 ounces of crumbled goat cheese.
Can I use parsley instead of basil?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either fresh basil or fresh parsley.
How should the sun-dried tomatoes be prepared?
The sun-dried tomatoes should be rehydrated and then chopped before mixing.
Should the baking sheet be prepared in any specific way?
The baking sheet should be sprayed with vegetable cooking spray or lightly greased.
What dried herbs are included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How do I know when the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when it is cooked through, no longer pink in the center, and has reached a safe internal temperature.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, its exquisite presentation and flavor profile make it perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions.
When should I remove the toothpicks?
Remove and discard the toothpicks after the chicken is taken out of the oven and before serving.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the dish with additional chopped fresh basil or parsley.
How many chicken breasts do I need?
You will need 4 boneless chicken breasts.
Can I use a regular skillet if I don't have a grill pan?
Yes, a regular skillet with a bit of oil or vegetable spray works well for the initial browning step.
What flavor profile does the goat cheese provide?
The goat cheese provides a creamy texture and a tangy flavor that complements the sun-dried tomatoes.
Is there any fiber or sugar in this dish?
The nutritional data provided does not specify fiber or sugar content.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can mix the sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, and herbs in a bowl ahead of time.
What is the best way to maintain juiciness in the chicken?
To maintain juiciness, avoid overcooking the chicken and remove it from the oven as soon as it is cooked through.