Transform ordinary chicken breast into an extraordinary dining experience with this elegant stuffed chicken recipe. This dish combines the succulence of perfectly cooked chicken with a rich, melting cheese filling, complemented by aromatic herbs and spices. Originally inspired by classic French cooking techniques, this modern interpretation offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for both special occasions and elevated weeknight dining.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (approximately 450g/1 lb)
- 150g (5.3 oz) cheese for filling
- 200g (7 oz) mozzarella for topping
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- 2-3 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sour cream
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Rice Pilaf:
- 1 cup (200g) long-grain rice
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tomato Garnish:
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
- Prepare the chicken:
- Butterfly each chicken breast horizontally
- Pound to even thickness
- Season with curry powder, salt, and pepper
- Make the filling:
- Combine grated cheese, minced garlic, dill, and green onions
- Mix in mayonnaise, sour cream, and mustard
- Season to taste
- Assemble:
- Spread filling over chicken breasts
- Roll tightly, securing with toothpicks
- Place in baking dish
- For the rice pilaf:
- Sauté vegetables in oil and butter until softened
- Add rice and cumin, toast briefly
- Add water according to rice package instructions
- Cook until tender
- Final preparation:
- Top chicken rolls with mozzarella
- Bake at 180°C (360°F) for 20-25 minutes until golden
- Prepare tomato garnish by combining all ingredients
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 650
- Protein: 45g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
- Use room temperature cheese for better melting
- Don’t skip pounding the chicken for even cooking
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before cutting
- Toast rice before adding liquid for enhanced flavor
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting quality
Variations and Substitutions
- Replace mozzarella with any melting cheese
- Use herbs like basil or thyme instead of dill
- Substitute quinoa or cauliflower rice for regular rice
- Add different vegetables to the rice pilaf
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate until baking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze before baking for up to 3 months.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Any good melting cheese works – mozzarella, provolone, or Gruyere are excellent choices.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Store cooked dish in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in oven at 160°C (320°F) for 15 minutes
- Prepare filling one day ahead
- Rice pilaf can be made ahead and reheated
- Store tomato garnish separately for up to 2 days
