Zesty Monterey Jack Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Indulge in these succulent chicken breasts, perfectly filled with creamy Monterey Jack pepper cheese, which adds a delightful kick to each bite. Coated in a zesty and crunchy panko crumb mixture, these stuffed chicken breasts offer a satisfying crunch along with a burst of flavor and juiciness. Ideal for Make Ahead Freezer Meals, this recipe yields six servings, making it easy to prepare nutritious dinners for busy weeknights. Whether you're enjoying them straight from the oven or topped with fresh avocado and tomatoes, this dish is sure to impress family and friends alike. From the book 'Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer', this recipe is both delicious and practical.
N/A
Servings
260
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts
6 (boneless, skinless, fresh)
Monterey Jack Pepper Cheese
10 ounces (cut into pieces measuring 1/4 x 4 inches)
Eggs
4 (beaten (or 3/4-1 cup of egg substitute))
Salsa
1/4 cup (not chunky (or taco sauce))
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Panko Breadcrumbs
2 cups
Chili Powder
2 teaspoons
Ground Cumin
2 teaspoons
Garlic Salt
1 1/2 teaspoons
Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon
Butter
1/4 cup (or less)
Avocado
to taste (sliced for garnish)
Cherry Tomatoes
to taste (for garnish)
Sour Cream
to taste (for garnish)
Additional Salsa
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
Prepare the Monterey Jack pepper cheese by cutting it into 6 equal pieces, each measuring approximately 1/4 x 4 inches.
3
Take each boneless, skinless chicken breast and cut a horizontal slit into the side, ensuring not to cut all the way through. This slit will be the pocket for the cheese.
4
Stuff each slit in the chicken breasts with one piece of cheese. Use 2 or 3 wooden toothpicks to secure the opening, ensuring that the cheese stays inside while cooking.
5
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, salsa (or taco sauce), and salt until fully combined.
6
In another shallow dish, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, and dried oregano until well combined.
7
Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
8
Arrange the coated chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish, then place them in the freezer for 1 hour.
9
After freezing, carefully wrap each chicken breast in plastic wrap and place them into a freezer bag for later use. They can be stored in the freezer until you're ready to bake and enjoy.
10
On the day you plan to serve, unwrap the chicken breasts. In a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, add 1/4 cup of butter and place the dish in the preheated oven to melt the butter.
11
Once the butter is melted, remove the dish from the oven and place the chicken breasts in the dish, turning each breast to coat with the melted butter.
12
Bake uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
13
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, sour cream, or salsa to enhance your meal.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
19g
Carbs
14g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Monterey Jack Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
They are succulent chicken breasts filled with Monterey Jack pepper cheese and coated in a crunchy, spiced panko crumb mixture.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields six servings, making it ideal for a family dinner.
What is the calorie count for this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 260 calories.
What type of cheese is used for the stuffing?
The recipe uses Monterey Jack pepper cheese, cut into 1/4 x 4 inch pieces.
How do I prepare the chicken for stuffing?
Cut a horizontal slit into the side of each boneless, skinless chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
How do I keep the cheese inside the chicken while cooking?
Secure the opening of the stuffed chicken breast using 2 or 3 wooden toothpicks.
What ingredients are in the panko coating?
The coating consists of panko breadcrumbs, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic salt, and dried oregano.
What is in the egg mixture used for dipping?
The egg mixture includes 4 beaten eggs, 1/4 cup of salsa (or taco sauce), and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use an egg substitute?
Yes, you can use 3/4 to 1 cup of egg substitute instead of the 4 eggs.
Is this recipe suitable for freezer meal prep?
Yes, it is designed as a Make Ahead Freezer Meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
How long should the coated chicken be frozen before wrapping?
Place the coated chicken breasts in a shallow baking dish and freeze for 1 hour before wrapping them.
How should the chicken be stored in the freezer?
After the initial hour of freezing, wrap each breast in plastic wrap and place them all into a freezer bag.
What temperature should the oven be set to for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How much butter is used when baking?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of butter (or less) to be melted in the baking dish.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 9 x 13-inch baking dish is recommended for baking the chicken.
How long does the chicken take to bake?
Bake the chicken uncovered for approximately 35-40 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What garnishes go well with this dish?
Fresh sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, sour cream, or additional salsa are excellent garnishes.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 15 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 19 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving contains 14 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 15 ingredients, including garnishes.
What kind of salsa should be used in the egg wash?
The recipe suggests using a non-chunky salsa or taco sauce for the egg mixture.
Should the chicken be baked covered or uncovered?
The chicken should be baked uncovered to help achieve a crunchy panko crust.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe comes from the book 'Don't Panic, Dinner's in the Freezer'.
How much Monterey Jack pepper cheese is needed?
You will need 10 ounces of cheese for 6 chicken breasts.
What spices are used to flavor the breadcrumbs?
The spices include chili powder, cumin, garlic salt, and dried oregano.
What do I do with the butter before adding the chicken?
Place the butter in the baking dish and put it in the oven to melt before adding the chicken.
Do I need to coat the chicken in the melted butter?
Yes, once the butter is melted, place the chicken in the dish and turn each breast to coat it.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
While panko is specified for its crunch, regular breadcrumbs could be used, though the texture will be less crispy.