Rice-stuffed Chicken Breasts

Rice-stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

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

History

The origins of rice-stuffed chicken breasts are not clear, but it is a popular dish in many cultures around the world. The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese is a classic one that has been enjoyed for generations.

Ingredients

4 skinless and boneless chicken breast halves, (about 1 lb (454 g)), pounded to a thickness of 0.25 inch
0.5 tsp ground black pepper, divided
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup cooked brown rice (cooked in chicken broth)
0.25 cup finely diced fresh tomatoes
0.25 cup (1 oz (28 g)) finely shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
1 tbsp olive oil

How to prepare

Season the insides of the pounded chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
Combine the rice, tomatoes, cheese, basil, and remaining 0.25 tsp of pepper.
Spoon the rice mixture onto the insides of the chicken breasts and secure the sides with wooden picks.
Wipe off the outsides of the chicken breasts with a paper towel.
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the stuffed chicken breasts in the hot oil for 1 minute on each side or until they turn golden brown.
Transfer the chicken to a shallow baking pan.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 8 to 10 minutes.
Let the chicken stand for 5 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Add cooked vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, to the rice mixture.
Substitute the basil with other herbs, such as parsley or thyme.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so that they cook evenly.

- Use a flavorful chicken broth to cook the rice for added taste.

- Be careful when securing the chicken breasts with wooden picks to prevent the filling from falling out.

- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the rice-stuffed chicken breasts with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly.

- Browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before baking adds flavor and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.

- Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the rice mixture and stuff the chicken breasts ahead of time. Keep them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Presentation Ideas

Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair rice-stuffed chicken breasts with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

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 rice-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of rice-stuffed chicken breasts contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

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

Proteins

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

Vitamins and minerals

Rice-stuffed chicken breasts are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and tree nuts (basil). Please be cautious if you have allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Rice-stuffed chicken breasts are a balanced meal that provides a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Rice-stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a special dinner or a family meal. With a flavorful filling of rice, tomatoes, cheese, and basil, these chicken breasts are sure to impress. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for rice-stuffed chicken breasts. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy little farmhouse on the outskirts of town. Sarah was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I always looked forward to our culinary adventures together.

On this particular day, Sarah invited me into her kitchen to help her prepare dinner. As we chatted and laughed, she pulled out a large plump chicken breast and a bowl of cooked rice. I watched in fascination as she carefully sliced open the chicken breast, creating a pocket for the rice stuffing.

"Have you ever tried rice-stuffed chicken breasts before?" Sarah asked, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

I shook my head, intrigued by the idea. Sarah then proceeded to stuff the chicken breast with a generous spoonful of seasoned rice, sealing the pocket with toothpicks. She seasoned the outside of the chicken with a blend of herbs and spices before placing it in the oven to bake.

As the delicious aroma of the cooking chicken filled the kitchen, Sarah regaled me with the story of how she had learned to make rice-stuffed chicken breasts. She explained that the recipe had been passed down to her from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

Sarah's grandmother had been a talented cook, known for her hearty and comforting meals. She had traveled far and wide, collecting recipes and culinary techniques from various cultures and cuisines. One day, during a visit to a small village in Italy, she had learned the art of stuffing chicken breasts with rice from a local chef.

The chef had shown her how to cook the chicken to perfection, ensuring that the meat remained juicy and tender while the rice inside was perfectly cooked. Sarah's grandmother had taken the recipe home with her and had made it for her family on special occasions, passing it down through the generations.

As Sarah finished telling me the story, the timer dinged, signaling that our rice-stuffed chicken breasts were ready. We eagerly pulled the dish out of the oven and plated it up, the golden brown chicken breasts glistening with juices and the rice peeking out enticingly.

I took my first bite and was instantly transported to culinary heaven. The chicken was succulent and flavorful, the rice perfectly cooked and seasoned to perfection. It was a dish that spoke of love and tradition, a testament to the power of shared recipes and shared memories.

From that day on, rice-stuffed chicken breasts became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family and friends, sharing the recipe with anyone who asked. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Sarah and her grandmother, of the culinary journey that had brought this delicious dish into my life.

And as I sit here now, years later, with a pen in hand and a heart full of memories, I can't help but smile at the thought of all the recipes and stories that have shaped my love for cooking. The recipe for rice-stuffed chicken breasts may have come from a chance encounter in a farmhouse kitchen, but its flavors and traditions will always be a part of my own culinary legacy.