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Cheesy Basil Stuffed Chicken Breasts

A versatile and tasty recipe that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 1 cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ ¼ cup minced fresh basil divided
  • 2 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3 3 cloves garlic minced
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (see note)
  • 3 3 tablespoons mayonnaise lowfat or regular
  • 1 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 2 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

  • Chicken: the chicken breasts called for in this recipe need to be on the thicker side because a pocket is cut into the thickest part of the chicken breasts (similar to this recipe) and the delicious cheese-basil filling is stuffed inside. Thinner chicken breasts won’t work well for that crucial step.
  • Make Ahead Instructions: Follow the recipe instructions with the following modifications: unless you are baking right away, don’t preheat the oven until you are ready to bake the dish. Stuff the chicken as stated in the recipe and place them in the baking dish. Combine the bread crumbs, garlic, basil and olive oil and transfer to a small resealable plastic bag or tupperware. Arrange the tomatoes that have been tossed with the oil/salt/pepper around the chicken. Cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken and the bread crumb topping separately for up to 10 hours. Before baking, sprinkle the bread crumbs on top of the chicken. Bake as directed, adding an additional 10 minutes, if needed since the dish was refrigerated.

Nutrition Information

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%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories

% 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.