Imagine sinking your teeth into a succulent chicken breast, perfectly stuffed with a savory blend of Italian sausage, gooey mozzarella, and vibrant spinach. This Italian Sausage Stuffed Baked Chicken Breasts recipe is not just a meal; it's a culinary experience that will transport your taste buds straight to Italy! With just 20 minutes of prep and a delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that promises to become a favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and place the meat in a medium mixing bowl.
- Finely chop the spinach and add it to the sausage along with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Butterfly each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally through the center, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through. Open the chicken breasts like a book.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Divide the sausage and cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, stuffing the mixture into the pocket of each breast.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the edges of the chicken breasts, keeping the stuffing inside.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.
- Slice and serve hot, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. If you prefer a bit of heat, spicy sausage can add a delightful kick to the dish.
- Prep Ahead: You can prepare the stuffing mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time on busy weeknights.
- Don’t Overstuff: While it might be tempting to pack the chicken breasts with as much filling as possible, be careful not to overstuff them. This can cause the chicken to burst during cooking.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Garnish for Presentation: Consider garnishing your stuffed chicken with fresh herbs or additional cheese before serving for a beautiful presentation that will wow your guests.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 576kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 55g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 182mg
