Description
Mediterranean-inspired chicken breasts embrace sun dried tomato feta stuffed chicken with rich, tangy flavors from Greece. Crisp exterior and melted cheese center promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 4 oz (113 g) feta cheese (crumbled)
- 4 oz (113 g) sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, strained and diced)
- 2 tbsps fresh Italian parsley (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Freshly cracked pepper (to taste)
- 3 tbsps pesto
- ⅓ cup pesto (to coat chicken)
- 2 tbsps olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Pocket Preparation: Craft a precise horizontal incision into the thickest section of each chicken breast, maintaining the outer edges’ structural integrity.
- Filling Creation: Blend sun-dried tomatoes, feta, pesto, and parsley into a harmonious mixture, ensuring a uniform consistency that will deliver explosive flavor.
- Seasoning and Stuffing: Season chicken pockets with salt and pepper, then carefully fill with the tomato-feta mixture, pressing gently to distribute evenly without compromising the meat’s structure.
- Securing and Enhancing: Fasten stuffed pockets with toothpicks and massage the exterior with additional pesto, creating an aromatic and flavorful coating.
- Searing and Cooking: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, sear chicken breasts to develop a golden crust, then reduce heat and cover, turning periodically to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Temperature and Resting: Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), approximately 20-25 minutes, removing toothpicks and allowing the chicken to rest briefly before serving to preserve moisture and optimize flavor profile.
Notes
- Slice Strategically: Create a precise horizontal pocket without cutting through the entire chicken breast to maintain structural integrity.
- Balance Filling Density: Mix ingredients thoroughly and distribute evenly to prevent uneven pockets or potential tearing during stuffing.
- Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the 165°F internal temperature, ensuring safe and perfectly cooked chicken.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the chicken to rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices, preventing dry meat and maintaining succulent texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg