Cheesy Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
25 mins
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 Servings
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Description
The recipe features boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are thick enough to create a pocket for stuffing. The filling consists of shredded mozzarella, fresh minced basil, heavy cream, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper, combined to create a rich and tangy mixture. The chicken breasts are stuffed and sealed before being topped with mayonnaise and a crumb mixture of bread crumbs, garlic, basil, and olive oil.
Cherry tomatoes tossed with oil, salt, and pepper are added around the chicken in the baking dish. Baking at 425°F produces golden breadcrumb crusts and fully cooked chicken breasts that remain juicy inside. The stuffing adds moisture and flavor, balancing the crispy topping and roasted tomatoes.
This dish can be served immediately as a main course, pairing well with simple sides like steamed vegetables or a salad. The tomatoes provide a fresh, juicy complement to the savory chicken.
If preparing ahead, assemble the dish and store the chicken and crumb topping separately in the refrigerator for up to 10 hours. Apply the crumb topping just before baking, and allow additional baking time if cooking from refrigerated. Use thicker chicken breasts to ensure enough room for stuffing and maintain structural integrity during cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ¼ cup basil divided, minced, fresh
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- salt
- black pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (see note)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise lowfat or regular
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pint cherry tomato halved
Instructions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 425 degrees F. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded cheese, 2 tablespoons of the minced basil, cream, lemon juice, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Cut a pocket in chicken breasts (like in this recipe), stuff with cheese mixture and seal, using a toothpick to help close the slit, if necessary. Transfer the stuffed breasts to 13 by 9 inch baking dish and spread tops evenly with mayonnaise.
- In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, remaining garlic, remaining fresh basil, and one tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle crumb mixture over chicken, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Toss tomatoes with remaining tablespoon oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Arrange the tomatoes in the baking dish in and around the chicken. Bake until the crumbs are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through (registering 160 degrees on an instant-read thermometer) about 25 minutes. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts that are thick enough to cut a pocket without breaking through the sides.
- For make-ahead preparation, assemble and refrigerate the chicken and crumb topping separately for up to 10 hours before baking.
- Add an extra 10 minutes of baking time if cooking the assembled dish directly from the refrigerator.
- Arrange seasoned cherry tomatoes around the stuffed chicken to roast alongside and add fresh flavor to the dish.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 Serving | |
| Calories | 587kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 27g | 9% |
| Protein | 59g | 118% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 179mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 730mg | 30% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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