Delicious Margherita Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Craving the taste of summertime Italy but want something more substantial than a pizza? Our Margherita Stuffed Chicken recipe is perfect for those evenings when you desire a meal that is both comforting and fresh. With melted mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil, this dish is a celebration of classic Italian flavors, all wrapped up in a juicy chicken breast.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 large tomato, finely diced
• Fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• Toothpicks or butcher’s twine

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella, diced tomato, chopped basil, minced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and dried oregano, if using. Stuff this mixture into the pockets you’ve created in the chicken breasts.
4. Secure the pockets closed with toothpicks or butcher’s twine to ensure the stuffing doesn’t fall out during cooking.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side or until they have a nice golden color.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring your stuffed chicken is moist and flavorful.
8. Discard toothpicks or twine, garnish with whole basil leaves, and drizzle with a bit more balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.
9. Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes such as a light salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

Tips

• To add more flavor, you can mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the stuffing.
• If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, you can transfer the chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven.
• Ensure not to overstuff the chicken as it may cause the filling to leak out during cooking.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 1g

This Margherita Stuffed Chicken is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation, marrying the ease of a chicken dish with the gourmet appeal of Italian cuisine. Buon appetito!