Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that will transform your dinner table into a sophisticated Italian bistro! Our "Stuffed Chicken Breasts Adapted from Mario Batali" is a delightful dish that combines juicy, tender chicken with a rich and creamy filling of spinach, ricotta, and sun-dried tomatoes. In just 45 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will impress your family and friends. Ready to elevate your cooking game? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to perfecting this Italian classic!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oven rack is positioned in the middle.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly each chicken breast by cutting horizontally through the center, creating a pocket without cutting completely through. Open the chicken breast like a book.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated.
- Season the chicken breasts inside and outside with salt and pepper. Divide the cheese and spinach mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts, spreading it carefully inside the butterflied pocket.
- Carefully close the chicken breasts, pressing the edges together to seal the stuffing inside. Use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet with the chicken directly into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist result.
- Slice and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or additional chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and high-quality cheeses for the best flavor. The richness of the ricotta and mozzarella will elevate the dish significantly.
- Butterflying the Chicken: Take your time when butterflying the chicken breasts. A sharp knife and a steady hand will help you create a nice pocket for the stuffing without cutting all the way through.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! This adds a beautiful golden crust to the chicken and locks in moisture, making every bite succulent.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked perfectly. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Let it Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking. This step is crucial as it helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist chicken.
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, garnish your stuffed chicken with fresh herbs or additional sun-dried tomatoes before serving. It not only looks beautiful but adds a burst of flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 135mg
