Discover the secret to effortlessly savory and succulent chicken fillets, baked to perfection with a creamy, cheesy crust. This dish marries the robust flavors of herbs and cheese with tender chicken, creating a meal that’s as satisfying to prepare as it is to devour.
Ingredients:
- 2 Whole Chicken Breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 Eggs
- 70g Hard Cheese, grated
- 100g Cooking Cream
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Dried Mixed Herbs
- Salt, to taste
- 1/2 tsp Ground Dry Garlic, or 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1-2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Large Tomato, sliced
- Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnishing
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and acquires a delightful golden crust.
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and slice them open horizontally to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through. This technique allows the flavors to permeate the meat and helps it cook more uniformly.
- Mix the Filling: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, grated hard cheese, and cooking cream until well combined. Season this mixture with pepper, dried herbs, salt, and ground dry garlic (or minced fresh garlic) to taste. This creamy filling will add moisture and flavor to the chicken, ensuring a delicious result.
- Stuff the Chicken: Gently open the pockets you’ve made in the chicken breasts and evenly distribute the creamy cheese mixture inside. Seal the pockets with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling from leaking out during cooking.
- Prepare for Baking: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the bottom of a baking dish. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the dish, and arrange the tomato slices around them. The olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Bake: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cheese is bubbly and golden. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken breasts, so it’s a good idea to check for doneness using a meat thermometer or by ensuring the juices run clear.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat is moist and flavorful. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
This simplest oven-baked cheesy chicken fillet recipe is a testament to how minimal ingredients can yield a meal that’s bursting with flavor. Serve these juicy, cheese-stuffed fillets with a side of your choice—be it roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes—for a balanced and satisfying meal.