Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts

Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe with Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken with gooey melted cheese. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal.

History

The concept of stuffing chicken breasts with cheese dates back centuries, with variations found in many different cuisines around the world. This particular recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, using simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal.

Ingredients

4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
4 slices of part-skim mozzarella cheese
1 egg white, slightly beaten
2 tbsp of flour
1 tbsp of grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp of snipped parsley
0.25 tsp of paprika
a dash of pepper
non-stick spray coating

How to prepare

Rinse the chicken and pat it dry.
Using a sharp knife, make a small pocket in the thickest side of each chicken breast.
Insert a slice of mozzarella cheese into each pocket.
In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg white.
In another bowl, combine the flour, Parmesan cheese, parsley, paprika, and pepper.
Dip the chicken in the egg white, then coat it with the flour mixture.
Spray a baking dish with nonstick coating.
Arrange the chicken in the dish.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and no longer pink.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
Add herbs or spices to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
Wrap the chicken breasts in bacon before baking for a smoky twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to properly seal the pocket in the chicken breast to prevent the cheese from oozing out during cooking.

- Use a sharp knife to make a clean and precise cut for the pocket.

- Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough.

- Feel free to customize the type of cheese used in this recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the cheese-stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.

- Substitute the egg white with a mixture of milk and cornstarch for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the chicken breasts up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cheese-stuffed chicken breasts with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese before serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, or a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cheese-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cheese-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cheese-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cheese-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein and essential nutrients.

Summary

Cheese-stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and satisfying dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the combination of tender chicken and melted cheese in this flavorful recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe for Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts. It was a sunny afternoon, and I was visiting my dear friend Helen for our weekly tea time. As we sat in her cozy kitchen sipping on Earl Grey tea, she suddenly reached for a worn-out recipe book that had been passed down to her from her own grandmother.

"Darling, I have a special recipe to share with you today," Helen said with a twinkle in her eye. "It's a family favorite that has been passed down through generations."

Intrigued, I leaned in closer as Helen flipped through the pages of the recipe book, her fingers tracing over the faded ink on yellowed paper. And there it was - Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts. The name alone made my mouth water, and I couldn't wait to learn how to make it.

Helen explained that the recipe was a cherished family secret, and she was honored to pass it on to me. She recounted how she had learned to make it from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been refined over the years, with each generation adding their own touch to it.

As Helen read out the ingredients and instructions, I scribbled furiously in my own recipe book, eager to recreate this dish in my own kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken breasts, gooey cheese, and flavorful herbs and spices sounded like a winning combination that would surely impress my own family.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients and set to work creating the Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts. I carefully sliced open the chicken breasts, creating a pocket for the cheese filling. I mixed together a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese with fresh herbs like basil and parsley, creating a creamy and flavorful mixture that would ooze out when the chicken was cut into.

As I stuffed the chicken breasts with the cheese mixture and secured them with toothpicks, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This recipe felt like a hidden gem, a treasure that had been passed down through the generations and now resided in my own hands.

I baked the chicken breasts in the oven until they were golden brown and the cheese was bubbly and melted. The aroma that wafted through the kitchen was tantalizing, and I knew that this dish would be a hit with my family.

When I served the Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts that evening, the looks of delight on my family's faces made all the effort worth it. The tender chicken, the melted cheese, the fragrant herbs - it was a symphony of flavors that danced on our taste buds.

As we savored each bite, I thought back to Helen and the precious gift she had given me - not just a recipe, but a piece of family history. This Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts dish would now become a part of our own family traditions, to be shared and cherished for years to come.

And so, every time I make Cheese-stuffed Chicken Breasts, I am reminded of that sunny afternoon in Helen's kitchen, of the joy of discovering a new recipe, and of the bond that food creates between generations. It is a reminder that food is not just sustenance, but a way to connect with our past, our present, and our loved ones.