Tuscan Stuffed Chicken is a tasty dish filled with creamy cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s like giving your chicken a delicious Italian vacation!
This meal always impresses my friends during dinner parties. Plus, the gooey filling is just so comforting. Pair it with some pasta, and you’ve got a beautiful plate!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are used here for quick cooking and a tender bite. If you’re looking for a change, you can use thighs for extra flavor or even turkey breast if that’s what you have on hand.
Roasted Red Peppers: These give a sweet, smoky flavor. If you don’t have them, try fresh bell peppers sautéed until soft, or some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach adds nutrition and color. You can swap it with kale or swiss chard, but be sure to cook them down first as they can be tougher than spinach.
Cheese: Mozzarella is ooey-gooey and melts beautifully. However, you could opt for provolone or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different taste. Cream cheese keeps it creamy; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative!
How Do You Perfectly Stuff Chicken Breasts?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky, but here’s how to do it right. The key is to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Start by using a sharp knife and make horizontal cuts in the thickest part of the breast.
- Carefully insert the knife and slide it in, making a nice pocket.
- Once your pocket is ready, don’t overstuff! Leave enough space to seal the openings.
- Use toothpicks to secure the chicken if needed, preventing any delicious filling from escaping during cooking.
By following these steps, you’ll have perfectly stuffed chicken breasts that hold all the tasty goodies inside.
How to Make Tuscan Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Tuscan stuffed chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook, making it a great option for a fulfilling weeknight dinner or a weekend feast.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that heats up, you can work on the stuffing!
2. Make the Stuffing:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, fresh spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This will be the tasty filling for your chicken!
3. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket in the thickest part, but make sure not to cut all the way through. You need enough space to fill it with the delicious stuffing.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now it’s time to stuff! Grab your mixed stuffing and spoon it into the pocket of each chicken breast. Add some strips of roasted red pepper and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese into each one. This will give it great flavor!
5. Secure and Sear:
If needed, use toothpicks to secure the openings of the stuffed chicken breasts, which will help keep everything inside while cooking. Next, heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each chicken breast for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This will give them a nice color and flavor!
6. Bake the Chicken:
After searing, sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken. Then, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve it Up:
Once it’s out of the oven, let the stuffed chicken rest for a few minutes. This will help keep it juicy. If you’d like, garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy your flavorful Tuscan stuffed chicken!
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with your vegetables. You can use kale instead of spinach, sun-dried tomatoes in place of roasted red peppers, or even add mushrooms for extra flavor. Just make sure to sauté any firm vegetables first, so they will cook through with the chicken.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream or tofu blended until smooth. Instead of mozzarella, try a dairy-free cheese shreds. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as dairy-free cheeses may melt differently.
Can I Prepare the Stuffed Chicken Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to sit out for about 15-20 minutes to reach room temperature before searing it in the skillet.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the stuffed chicken—just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
