Sundried Tomato Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stare into your fridge, wondering what can i make with that lonely chicken breast? Forget boring, dry chicken. This Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast is proper posh nosh.
It is bursting with Italian flavour and is easier than you think.
Brief Overview
This recipe is inspired by Italy and all things delicious. It transforms humble chicken into something special. It’s a medium difficulty recipe that takes about an hour. This recipe yields four servings.
Main Benefits
This is a healthy chicken breast option that’s packed with protein. Perfect for an easy Tuesday night dinner. What makes this recipe special is the combo of sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and creamy ricotta.
Making Magic with Chicken
Let's be honest, chicken breasts can be a bit meh . But they are blank canvases for flavour! I always think of a nice Garlic Butter Chicken , so let's go for a bit of Italian flair.
Here's your cuppa of cooking inspiration, folks.
This recipe delivers a restaurant quality dish. It's also surprisingly straightforward. Don’t be intimidated by the "stuffed" part. It's all about that flavor explosion!
Ingredients That Sing
Here are 10 incorporated in the text:
- Easy Chicken Breast
- Healthy Chicken Breast
- Chicken Dishes Recipes
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Chicken Meal Prep
- Stuffed chicken breast recipes
- Italian chicken recipes
- Sun-dried tomato chicken
- Balsamic glaze chicken
- Chicken breast with ricotta
You will need chicken breasts, of course. Next, you will need sun-dried tomatoes, basil, ricotta, and balsamic glaze. Olive oil, garlic, onion, Parmesan, and an egg are also required.
I like to use good quality Parmesan for a real hit of flavour!
step-by-step Deliciousness
First, you need to pound the chicken breasts. Then, make that amazing filling! Mix the sun-dried tomatoes, basil, ricotta, and garlic.
Stuff the chicken, roll it up, and bake it until golden. Finally, drizzle with balsamic glaze. You have got a feast.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for about 30 minutes . The internal temperature should reach 165° F ( 74° C) .
Make sure not to overcook, nobody likes dry chicken! Secure with toothpicks to keep the filling in, it's key!
Enjoy this delightful chicken dish, it is a true joy.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks! This Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is all about quality ingredients.
Seriously, the better the stuff you put in, the better it tastes. Simple, innit?
Main Ingredients: Your Posh Nosh Line-Up
Here's your cuppa of ingredients. We'll measure in both US and proper metric. Ready for our posh nosh?
- Chicken Breasts: 4 boneless, skinless ones (about 6 oz/170g each). Make sure to give them a good pounding. Aim for ½-inch thickness. It can be therapeutic, honestly.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) – Extra virgin, if you're feeling fancy.
- Onion: 1 small onion, finely chopped. About ½ cup/75g.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't be shy with it.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup (75g) , oil-packed, drained, and chopped. Get the good stuff!
- Ricotta Cheese: ½ cup (120g) . Full fat ricotta gives the best texture.
- Fresh Basil: ¼ cup (15g) , chopped. The aroma is divine, isn't it?
- Parmesan Cheese: ¼ cup (25g) , grated. Freshly grated is always better.
- Egg: 1 large egg, lightly beaten. This helps bind it all together.
- Balsamic Glaze: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Adds a touch of sweetness and tang.
For the chicken, look for plump breasts that aren't pale. I like to get mine from the butcher; you can ask them to flatten the breasts for you if they are not super busy.
The sun-dried tomatoes should be plump and not too dry. These ingredients give this recipe that "easy Tuesday night dinner" feel.
What can i make with these ingredients? A culinary sensation!
Seasoning Notes: Flavour Bombs
Salt and pepper are essential. Taste as you go and adjust.
Essential spice combinations: Fresh basil is a must with sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic is the backbone of flavor. Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Parmesan adds salty, nutty notes.
The balsamic glaze provides a sweet tangy finish. Quick substitution options: Dried basil can be used if fresh isn't available. It's not quite the same, but will work.
A splash of lemon juice can mimic some of the balsamic glaze's tang.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Meat Mallet: Or a rolling pin. Smash those chicken breasts!
- Large Skillet: For sautéing the onion and garlic.
- Mixing Bowl: For combining the filling.
- Baking Dish: 9x13 inch/23x33 cm works perfectly.
- Toothpicks: To keep those stuffed breasts secure.
No fancy equipment is needed. I've used a wine bottle as a rolling pin in a pinch, you know?
So there you have it! Italian chicken recipes with a modern twist. It makes for a healthy chicken breast recipe that is easy to execute.
I hope you enjoyed your Garlic butter chicken . Let me know how you get on with this Chicken breast with ricotta dish!
Get Your Bake On: Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
Fancy some posh nosh ? Honestly, plain chicken breast is boring. Here's your cuppa for some seriously tasty Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast with Balsamic Glaze .
This recipe is a game changer.
Prep Like a Pro
Essential mise en place is key. Chop your onion and garlic. Get your ricotta, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes ready. Pound those easy chicken breast to about ½-inch thickness.
Trust me, it helps! For time saving, measure out all the spices beforehand. This is a great chicken meal prep option by the way.
step-by-step: From Plain to Posh
- Pound the chicken breasts. Season well with salt and pepper.
- Sauté a chopped small onion in olive oil. Then add 2 minced garlic cloves. Cook until fragrant.
- Mix the sautéed onion and garlic with ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Next, add ½ cup ricotta cheese, ¼ cup chopped basil, ¼ cup grated Parmesan, and 1 lightly beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread filling onto each chicken breast. Roll it up tightly. Secure with toothpicks, or it'll fall apart!
- Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 30 minutes . Internal temp must be 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Drizzle with 2 tablespoons balsamic glaze. Let it rest for 5 mins before serving.
Pro Tips to Savor
Don’t over pound the chicken. Trust me, it tears easily. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked! This avoids dry, boring chicken.
What can I make with this filling? You could even use it in pasta! Also, this works as a healthy chicken breast option by tweaking the cheeses to your preference.
To avoid bursting, space out the toothpicks closely. Common mistake: overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry. make-ahead option: prepare the filling and stuff the chicken the night before.
It's an easy Tuesday night dinner sorted!
We've made sure these chicken dishes recipes are perfect for you. Think of this as a gateway Italian chicken recipes experience! We've skipped the rosemary and gone straight to the sun-dried tomato chicken because that hits the mark every time.
If you are feeling fancy, some balsamic glaze chicken can bring more sophistication, otherwise some garlic butter chicken is fine as well! And if you like it creamy, then try chicken breast with ricotta
Alright, there you have it!
Recipe Notes
Right then, before you dive headfirst into this Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast delight, Here's your cuppa with some helpful notes, yeah? Honestly, these are little gems I've picked up along the way, and they will help you nail this recipe, even on an easy Tuesday night dinner.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, doesn't it? Once you've got your gorgeous, stuffed chicken breasts, think about how to show them off. I like to slice them at an angle to show off that yummy filling, especially as it's posh nosh.
Maybe fan the slices out a bit, you know?
For sides, keep it simple! Some roasted asparagus spears or steamed green beans work a treat. A simple Caprese salad (tomato, mozzarella, basil) would be fab too.
And if you're feeling fancy, a nice crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio, complements the dish perfectly.
Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! Once cooled, wrap each chicken breast individually in cling film or foil, then pop them in an airtight container.
They'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze them, wrap them well to avoid freezer burn.
To reheat, either microwave them until heated through or bake them in a preheated oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15- 20 minutes .
Just make sure they're piping hot all the way through!
Variations: Mix it Up!
Feeling adventurous? There are loads of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Dietary Adaptations : For a dairy-free version, swap out the ricotta for a dairy-free alternative or even mashed cauliflower.
- Seasonal Swaps : In the winter months, try using roasted butternut squash instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a cosy, seasonal twist.
Nutrition Basics: Healthy ish Goodness
Let's be honest, this isn't exactly rabbit food, but it is a healthy chicken breast recipe ! Each serving clocks in around 350 calories, packing a whopping 40g of protein.
That's great for muscle building and keeping you full. The fat content is around 18g, which is a mix of healthy fats from the olive oil and sun-dried tomatoes, and some from the cheese.
Here is the cheat sheet:
- Easy Chicken Breast
- Healthy Chicken Breast
- Chicken Dishes Recipes
- Garlic Butter Chicken
- Chicken Meal Prep
- Stuffed chicken breast recipes
- Italian chicken recipes
- Sun-dried tomato chicken
- Balsamic glaze chicken
- Chicken breast with ricotta
Right, what can i make with these notes? Honestly, this recipe is a great way to use chicken meal prep for the week!
So there you have it. Hopefully, these notes give you the confidence to give this recipe a whirl. Go on, impress your friends and family with this easy Italian chicken recipe!
Go on get your Garlic Butter Chicken fix - Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can stuff the chicken breasts and secure them with toothpicks up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply bake as directed.
This is a lifesaver if you're having guests and want to get ahead of the game, a bit like prepping your Sunday roast the night before!
What can I make with the leftover filling from the chicken breasts?
Don't let that delicious filling go to waste! You can use it as a topping for crostini, stir it into scrambled eggs for a fancy brunch, or even mix it with cooked pasta for a quick and flavourful sauce. Think of it like a posh pesto alternative versatile and delicious.
How do I prevent the filling from leaking out while baking?
A few tips here. First, make sure you're not overfilling the chicken breasts. You want a generous amount, but not so much that it's bursting at the seams. Second, use plenty of toothpicks to securely close the roll, focusing on the seam.
Finally, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan for a minute or two on each side before baking to help seal in the filling. No one wants exploded chicken!
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter or healthier?
You bet! You could swap the ricotta for a low-fat cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to cut down on calories and fat, whilst keeping the creaminess. Using less oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes is also a good idea - consider using sun-dried tomatoes that aren't oil-packed and rehydrating them to use.
You could also serve with steamed vegetables rather than more carbohydrate heavy sides.
Can I freeze the Sun-Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can freeze them either before or after baking. If freezing before, wrap the stuffed chicken breasts individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. If freezing after baking, let them cool completely first. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
Freezing food is always a good idea to reduce food waste!
I don’t have balsamic glaze, what can I use instead?
No worries, mate! As mentioned in the variations, you can easily make a balsamic glaze substitute. Simmer balsamic vinegar over low heat, adding a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, until it thickens into a syrupy consistency.
Alternatively, you could use a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, or even a tomato based sauce. Get creative!
Sundried Tomato Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 40g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbs | 8g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
