Looking to elevate your chicken dishes with something unique and delicious? This Stuffed Chicken with a Twist is a perfect way to transform ordinary chicken fillets into a mouth-watering meal that will impress your family and friends. The combination of tender chicken, a rich vegetable filling, and a touch of cheese makes this dish both satisfying and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare and ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Follow along with this recipe and surprise everyone with this delightful, hearty dish!
Ingredients:
To Season the Chicken Fillets:
- 12 chicken fillets (about 700g)
- Salt, to taste
- Spicy paprika, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ a lemon
For the Stuffing:
- 1 tbsp butter
- A drizzle of olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Bell pepper, finely chopped (as desired)
- 2 carrots, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Spicy paprika, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
- 4 tbsp crème fraîche
- 50g mozzarella, grated
Instructions:
- Season the Chicken Fillets:
- Start by seasoning the chicken fillets with salt, spicy paprika, minced garlic, and the juice of half a lemon. Rub the seasonings evenly into the fillets to ensure every piece is infused with flavor.
- Set the fillets aside to marinate while you prepare the stuffing. Let them sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Prepare the Stuffing:
- In a large pan, melt the butter with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. This combination helps to prevent the butter from burning while adding a rich flavor to the stuffing.
- Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pan and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped bell pepper and grated carrots, continuing to cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and spicy paprika to taste.
- Once the vegetables are cooked through, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chopped parsley and cilantro. Add the crème fraîche and grated mozzarella, mixing everything together until well-combined. This creamy and cheesy mixture will be the perfect filling for your chicken.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Take each seasoned chicken fillet and make a small slit or pocket on the side with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Using a spoon, carefully stuff the chicken fillets with the vegetable and cheese filling, pressing it inside the pocket. Don’t overfill the chicken, as you’ll want to ensure it stays intact while cooking.
- Cook the Stuffed Chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In the same pan you used for the stuffing, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sear the stuffed chicken fillets over medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the seared chicken fillets to a baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the juices run clear.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once baked, remove the stuffed chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result is tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful, creamy filling that pairs beautifully with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Garnish with a bit of fresh parsley or cilantro for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Conclusion:
This Stuffed Chicken with a Twist is a fantastic way to elevate your meals with minimal effort. The combination of seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy filling makes for a dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to satisfy. It’s the perfect balance of savory and rich textures, making it a great choice for family dinners or special occasions. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your table. Enjoy the delightful flavors in every bite!