Kamil Perry
Chicken breasts are a versatile and healthy option for a weeknight dinner. They can be baked, broiled, or cooked on a stovetop and stuffed or topped with cheese. The cheese can be creamy, shredded, or melted and can be combined with other ingredients like spinach, garlic, bacon, and herbs. The chicken breasts should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat and not overcooked. The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, but on average, they take around 30-40 minutes in the oven.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Main Ingredients | Chicken Breasts, Cheese |
| Other Ingredients | Bacon, Spinach, Herbs, Sun-dried Tomatoes, Cream Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Butter, Marinara Sauce |
| Cooking Method | Baking, Broiling, Pan-frying |
| Cooking Time | 30-45 minutes |
| Ideal For | Family Dinner, Weeknight Dinner |
| Calories | 481 kcal |
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Chicken breast prep
Firstly, select your cheese. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan, or cream cheese. Having a variety of cheeses will add depth to your dish. For a creamier texture, opt for softer cheeses. Next, prepare your filling. You can mix cheese with ingredients such as spinach, garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour. You can also add bacon or chicken broth for a more savoury dish.
Now it's time to prepare the chicken breasts. You'll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts of a similar size so they cook evenly. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Season the pockets with salt and pepper to enhance the flavour. Then, stuff the pockets with your chosen filling. Use toothpicks to secure the filling if needed, although the cream cheese should help keep it in place.
Before cooking, you can sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan to lock in moisture and add flavour. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate or cutting board and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This ensures the juices redistribute, making the chicken juicy and tender.
Your chicken breast with cheese in the middle is now ready to be enjoyed!
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Cheese selection
Type of Cheese:
The most popular cheeses used in stuffed chicken breast recipes are cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan. Cream cheese is often used as a base due to its creamy texture and ability to blend well with other ingredients. It helps to bind the filling together and ensures it stays sturdy and intact within the chicken breast. Mozzarella, known for its melting properties, adds a delightful stretch and gooey texture to the dish. Cheddar cheese, especially sharp white cheddar, contributes a distinct sharpness and depth of flavour. Parmesan, preferably freshly grated, adds a nutty, savoury flavour and enhances the overall taste and texture of the dish.
Customisation and Substitutions:
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can customise the filling by substituting or adding different types of cheese according to your preference. For instance, you can try using Colby Jack, a Mexican blend, or Monterey Jack cheese if you want a little heat. Other options include provolone, Gouda, or even crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with different blends of cheeses to create unique flavour profiles.
Melting Properties:
When selecting cheese for this recipe, it's important to consider its melting properties. Choose cheeses that melt easily and smoothly. This ensures that the cheese blends well with the other ingredients in the filling and creates a creamy, cohesive texture when cooked. Avoid cheeses that tend to separate or become greasy when melted, as they may affect the overall consistency and appearance of the dish.
Flavour Profile:
Consider the flavour profile you want to achieve. Different cheeses offer varying levels of sharpness, nuttiness, tanginess, or sweetness. For a more subtle flavour, opt for milder cheeses like young cheddar or Monterey Jack. If you prefer a bolder taste, go for stronger cheeses like aged cheddar, Gruyère, or blue cheese. Play around with combinations of cheeses to create complex and intriguing flavours that will delight your taste buds.
Texture and Consistency:
In addition to flavour, pay attention to the texture and consistency of the cheese. Select cheeses that are dry or semi-soft, as they will hold their shape better when mixed with other ingredients and during the cooking process. Harder cheeses, such as Parmesan or aged cheddars, can add a pleasant crunchy element to the dish when grated or shredded. Softer cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, may be used in moderation to add creaminess without making the filling too runny.
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Cooking methods
There are several ways to cook chicken breasts with cheese in the middle. One popular method is to bake the chicken in the oven. This can be done by creating a pocket in each chicken breast and stuffing it with a mixture of cheeses, such as cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, or Parmesan. The chicken breasts can then be seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked on a stovetop over medium-high heat until golden brown, typically for 5 to 7 minutes per side.
Another variation of the baked chicken recipe involves layering the chicken with cheese and other ingredients such as bacon and green onions. This method does not require stuffing the chicken breasts and can be cooked in an oven-safe skillet or a baking dish. The chicken is first seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and then baked at 350˚F for about 30 to 40 minutes. The oven temperature can also be set to 375˚F. The chicken is cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, at which point it is safe to eat. After cooking, the chicken is broiled for a few minutes to brown the cheese, and then allowed to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
A third method for cooking chicken breasts with cheese in the middle is to create a breaded coating. This involves pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness, coating them in a buttery mixture, and then covering them with breadcrumbs. This recipe can be baked in the oven, resulting in a tender and crunchy dish.
It is important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts, as well as the oven settings and other environmental factors. To ensure that the chicken is properly cooked, it is recommended to use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165˚F.
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Cooking time
The cooking time for chicken breast with cheese in the middle varies depending on several factors. Here is a detailed breakdown of the cooking times:
For thin chicken breasts or cutlets, the cooking time is generally shorter and more even. They are recommended for this recipe to avoid overcooking the outside while waiting for the middle to be done. When cooking on a stovetop, thin chicken breasts will take around 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until golden brown. On a baking dish in the oven, they will take around 30 minutes, but this can vary from 25 to 35 minutes depending on the oven and other factors.
For larger or thicker chicken breasts, the cooking time will be longer. In the oven, larger chicken breasts will typically take 40 to 45 minutes to cook through. It is recommended to use a food thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the temperature at which the chicken is safe to eat and helps prevent overcooking, which can make the chicken tough and chewy.
Additionally, when broiling or browning the cheese in the oven, it is important to watch the chicken closely to avoid overcooking or burning. This step should take just a few minutes until the cheese is lightly browned. After cooking, it is recommended to let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving to ensure it remains juicy.
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Serving suggestions
This chicken dish is versatile and can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:
Carbohydrates
- Steamed rice
- Creamy polenta
- Mashed potatoes
- Baked or roasted potatoes
- Smashed potatoes
- Crispy potatoes
- Pasta
Vegetables
- Salad
- Steamed broccoli
- Asparagus
- Green beans
- Roasted vegetables
- Buttered carrots and corn
- Sauteed spinach
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Mushrooms
Chicken Presentation Ideas
- Slice the chicken and serve it over a salad or in a wrap or grain bowl.
- Nestle the cooked chicken breasts into a pan of marinara sauce before adding the cheese topping.
Drinks
There are many great wine pairings for this dish. Try it with a glass of extra cold Gavi or Vionger, or a lightly oaked Chardonnay or Chenin Blanc. If you prefer red wine, it goes well with a warm Gamay or Montepulciano.
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