Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce Recipe - Swiss-American Fusion

Region / culture: Switzerland, USA | Servings: 4

Introduction

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests. The combination of tender chicken breasts, gooey cheese, and flavorful herbs creates a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.

History

This recipe has been a favorite for many years, with variations found in different cuisines around the world. The idea of stuffing chicken breasts with cheese and herbs dates back centuries, with each culture putting its own unique spin on the dish. This particular version combines classic flavors with a rich and creamy herbed butter sauce for a truly decadent meal.

Ingredients

8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 3 lb or 1.36 kg)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp ground black pepper
0.5 cup butter or margarine, softened
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
0.5 tsp ground oregano
0.5 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
0.5 tsp dried basil
4 oz or 113 g swiss cheese, cut into 8 strips
0.25 cup all-purpose flour
1 egg, beaten
0.67 cup dry breadcrumbs
0.5 cup dry white wine
1 tsp vegetable oil
0.5 cup red pepper strips
0.5 cup green pepper strips
4 cup cooked rice
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp cold water
fresh oregano and rosemary sprigs for garnish

How to prepare

Place the chicken between plastic wrap and pound it with a meat mallet or rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of 0.25 inches. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, combine the butter, parsley, oregano, rosemary, and basil.
Place 1.5 tsp of the herb butter in the center of each breast half, while reserving the remaining herb butter.
Place one strip of cheese in the center of each breast half. Roll up the chicken with the cheese inside and tuck in the ends.
Roll the chicken in flour, then dip it in egg and coat it with breadcrumbs.
Place the coated chicken in an ungreased 13x9 inch baking dish and bake it at 375°F (191°C) for 15 minutes.
Stir the wine into the remaining herb butter in a small saucepan and heat it over low heat until the butter melts. Pour the mixture over the chicken and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add the red and green bell peppers and cook and stir until they are crisp-tender.
Add the rice and toss it lightly. Heat it thoroughly. Serve the chicken over the rice.
Pour the pan drippings into a small saucepan. Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the drippings. Heat the mixture until it boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Serve it with the chicken and rice. Garnish with oregano and rosemary.

Variations

Try using different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, for a unique flavor.
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the filling for added color and texture.
Substitute the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts for a crunchy coating.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.

- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as overcooked chicken can become dry.

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

- The herbed butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the chicken breasts ensures they cook evenly and retain their moisture.

- Making a pan sauce with the drippings adds extra flavor and richness to the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use butter instead of margarine for a richer flavor.

- Substitute chicken broth for the white wine in the sauce.

- Use any type of bell peppers or vegetables you prefer in the rice.

Make Ahead Tips

The herbed butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can be assembled and refrigerated for a few hours before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the sliced chicken breasts on a platter and drizzle with the herbed butter sauce. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with a side of rice and vegetables for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce with a crisp white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

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 Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce contains approximately 20 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and wheat (breadcrumbs), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. With a flavorful filling, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your meal rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret who lived in the countryside. Margaret was known for her amazing cooking skills and always had a new recipe to share with me.

As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I could smell the delicious aroma of herbs and butter wafting through the air. Margaret had already started preparing the stuffed chicken breasts, and I watched in awe as she expertly sliced and filled each one with a flavorful herb and cheese mixture.

I asked Margaret where she had learned to make such a delicious dish, and she smiled as she told me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had first discovered it while dining at a quaint little French bistro during a trip to Paris many years ago. The chef had been kind enough to share the recipe with her, and she had been making it ever since.

I was immediately intrigued and begged Margaret to teach me how to make the dish. She happily agreed and guided me through each step of the recipe, from pounding the chicken breasts to perfection to creating the rich and creamy herbed butter sauce that would accompany them.

After a few hours of cooking and laughing together in the kitchen, the stuffed chicken breasts were finally ready to be served. As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I took my first bite and was blown away by the incredible flavors that burst in my mouth. The tender chicken, filled with a savory herb and cheese mixture, was perfectly complemented by the decadent herbed butter sauce that coated each bite.

From that moment on, Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce became one of my signature dishes. I would often make it for family gatherings and dinner parties, and it never failed to impress. Over the years, I have tweaked the recipe slightly, adding my own personal touch with different herbs and spices, but the core of the dish remains the same.

I have shared this recipe with many friends and family members over the years, passing on the tradition of delicious home-cooked meals to the next generation. Each time I make it, I think back to that fateful day in Margaret's kitchen and am grateful for the gift of friendship and culinary inspiration that she has given me.

As I sit here in my own kitchen, preparing Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Herbed Butter Sauce for my grandchildren, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just for its incredible flavors, but for the bond it represents between friends and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. And as I take the first bite of the tender chicken, filled with a savory herb and cheese mixture and topped with a rich and creamy herbed butter sauce, I am reminded once again of the magic of good food and the power it has to bring people together.