Elevate your dinner with this delicious Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes. This dish features tender chicken breasts stuffed with a delightful mixture of Gouda cheese, sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all seasoned to perfection. The combination of melted cheese and the tangy sweetness of sundried tomatoes creates a rich, flavorful filling that pairs beautifully with the juicy chicken. This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, approx 200g each
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2-3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
- For the Stuffing:
- ½ cup Gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced
- A few leaves of baby spinach
- ½ teaspoon dried basil (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the chicken breasts horizontally, making a deep slit but not cutting all the way through, so they can be opened flat like a book.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, ground black pepper, ginger powder, and garlic powder.
2. Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a small bowl, mix together the shredded Gouda cheese, sliced sundried tomatoes, and baby spinach leaves. If you like, add the dried basil for extra flavor.
3. Stuff the Chicken:
- Open up the seasoned chicken breasts and evenly distribute the stuffing mixture onto one side of each breast. Fold the other side over to enclose the stuffing, and secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
4. Sear the Chicken:
- Warm the olive oil in a skillet that can go in the oven, using medium-high heat.
- Add the thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and its internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve:
- Remove the stuffed chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve the chicken hot, paired with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite side dish.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes is a delicious and elegant dish that’s sure to impress. The combination of gooey Gouda cheese, tangy sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach inside tender chicken breasts creates a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself to something special, this recipe is a perfect choice. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors of this stuffed chicken dish!