Frederic Melton
Chicken is a versatile meat that can be grilled, baked, fried, or sautéed. It is also a healthy option, being low in fat and carbs. One way to elevate a chicken dish is to stuff it with cheese. There are many types of cheese that can be used, such as Swiss, Parmesan, Provolone, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gouda, and Asiago. The type of cheese used depends on the desired taste and texture, as different cheeses melt at different rates. For a simple, quick, and tasty weeknight dinner, chicken breasts can be stuffed with a mixture of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, and served with mashed potatoes, rice, or grains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Swiss, Provolone, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Gouda, Asiago, Feta, Blue Cheese, Gruyère, Raclette, Brie, Stilton, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack |
| Chicken Type | Skinless, Boneless Breasts |
| Other Ingredients | Breadcrumbs, Black Pepper, Italian Dressing Mix, Paprika, Olive Oil, Butter, Salt, Parsley, Spinach, Onion, Garlic |
| Cooking Method | Pan-seared, Baked |
| Cooking Time | 10-35 minutes |
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What You'll Learn
Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta
Mozzarella-stuffed chicken is a decadent and indulgent option. To make this dish, you can cut a deep slit into a chicken breast, stuff it with mozzarella, and seal the edges. The chicken is then coated in a breading made from flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, which may include garlic powder, oregano, and Parmesan cheese for added flavour. This breaded chicken is fried until golden and then baked in the oven, resulting in a juicy and crispy dish.
Chicken Parmesan, or Chicken Parm, is another popular choice, often made with a combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This dish involves breading and frying chicken breasts before baking them in the oven with a layer of tomato sauce and a generous amount of cheese. The key to success is not to overwhelm the chicken with too much sauce, allowing the breading to stay crisp. Adding Parmesan to the breadcrumbs and using a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses enhances the flavour and texture of the dish.
Ricotta-stuffed chicken is a delicious option that involves a technique called spatchcocking, where the backbone of the chicken is removed, and the bird is flattened for even cooking. The ricotta cheese is combined with sautéed alliums, pancetta, and herbs, creating a savoury and flavourful stuffing. This mixture is then stuffed under the skin of the chicken, infusing the meat with moisture and taste. The chicken is then roasted to perfection.
Each of these cheeses offers a unique twist to a stuffed chicken dish, providing a range of flavours and textures that are sure to satisfy any cheese and chicken lover.
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Spinach and cheese
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts
- Olive Oil or Avocado Oil
- Paprika
- Salt
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cream Cheese
- Grated Parmesan
- Mayonnaise
- Chopped Fresh Spinach
- Minced Garlic
- Red Pepper Flakes
Optional Ingredients
- Toothpicks
- Frozen Spinach
- Mozzarella Cheese
- Black Pepper
Method
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, and salt in a small bowl. Mash in the chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, and parmesan. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil. Add the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast.
Step 3: Stuff the Chicken
Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly. Seal the edges with toothpicks if desired.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 375-425°F. Heat olive oil in an oven-proof pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Tips
- Make sure the chicken breasts are an even size so they cook at the same rate.
- When cutting the pockets, do not cut all the way through the chicken to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- If you are using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out the excess liquid before adding it to the filling.
- Get creative with the filling! Try adding herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or even bacon for a decadent twist.
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Chicken cordon bleu
To make Chicken Cordon Bleu, start by placing each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound them with a meat mallet or rolling pin until they are about 1/4 inch thick. Be careful not to pound too hard, as you don't want to tear the meat.
Next, it's time to stuff the chicken. For a traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, layer slices of Swiss cheese and ham on top of the chicken breast. You can also get creative and use other types of cheese, such as provolone, cream cheese, or garlic and herb cheese. Spread the cheese on top of the ham, then roll up the chicken tightly, securing it with toothpicks.
Now it's time to bread the chicken. Dip the chicken rolls in flour, egg, and then breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs lightly to help them stick to the chicken. Place the breaded chicken on a greased baking sheet and bake at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
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Best cheeses for a chicken sandwich
There are many types of cheese that can be used to stuff a chicken sandwich, and the best choice will depend on your personal preference and the other ingredients in your sandwich. Here are some options to consider:
Brie
Brie is a delicate and creamy cheese with a nutty flavour. It works well in recipes that involve toasting as it melts easily and adds colour and flavour to the sandwich. For an even more indulgent option, you could pair it with Boursin or goat cheese.
Feta
Feta is a crumbly, salty cheese commonly used in Greek cuisine. It pairs well with poultry-based sandwiches and adds a distinct layer of complexity to the overall flavour profile.
Fontina
Fontina is an Italian cow's milk cheese with nutty, earthy and buttery flavours. It melts easily, adding a creamy texture to chicken sandwiches. For the best results, shred or thinly slice the cheese before adding it to your sandwich to ensure even melting. Aged Fontinas will have a more complex flavour profile.
Gruyere
Gruyere is a hard, yellow Swiss cheese with a slightly sweet and nutty flavour. It pairs well with roasted chicken sandwiches, adding an extra layer of earthy flavour. Gruyere melts well and can hold its own against the weight and bold flavours of other ingredients in your sandwich.
Havarti
Havarti is a semi-soft cow's milk cheese that originated in Denmark. It has a buttery, sweet flavour, similar to Swiss cheese but with a slightly stronger sharpness. It is available in a range of varieties, from mild and tangy to more intensely sour flavours. Havarti works well with most sandwiches as its mild flavour allows it to be paired with many different types of bread and fillings.
Mozzarella
Mozzarella has a surprisingly mild flavour and is known for its creamy texture. It melts easily and pairs well with chicken, as its delicate flavour complements the assertive seasoning of the meat. For an extra cheesy sandwich, opt for fresh mozzarella rather than pre-grated or shredded. Adding fresh herbs like oregano or basil to the melted cheese can also impart an herbal note that complements the savoury flavours of the sandwich.
Monterey Jack
Monterey Jack, also known as California Jack, is an American semihard cheese made from cow's milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It works well when melted over grilled chicken sandwiches and other cheese-based recipes, making it a great all-purpose cheese for cooking.
Parmesan
Parmesan is a hard, nutty cheese with a slightly sweet and salty flavour. It adds an interesting colour, texture, and character to any dish it's added to. Parmesan pairs especially well with spicy chicken sandwiches as its nuttiness helps to balance out the heat of peppers or other spicy seasonings.
Provolone
Provolone is a semi-firm cheese that originated in Italy and is traditionally made from cow's milk. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavour and is similar in texture to cheddar. It melts easily and holds its shape, making it an ideal choice for chicken sandwiches.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese is comparable to its soft, mild sibling, Emmental. It has a sweet, nutty flavour and a distinctive texture due to the holes in the cheese. Swiss cheese pairs very well with chicken sandwiches as the flavours complement each other, and the sharpness of the cheese offsets the juiciness of the chicken.
Cheddar
Cheddar is a firm, mild-flavoured cheese that originates from England and is often coloured orange. It has a slightly salty taste and a creamy texture, making it a popular choice for pairing with savoury chicken sandwiches. Cheddar comes in a variety of ranges from mild to sharp and extra-sharp. Choosing a mild variety will enhance the flavour of your sandwich without overpowering the natural taste of the chicken.
Other Options
Some other cheese options that you may want to consider include Pepper Jack, Smoked Gouda, Blue Cheese, and Taleggio.
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Chicken and cheese sides
Chicken and cheese are a match made in heaven, and there are endless options for sides to accompany this delicious duo. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Mashed potatoes
Make some creamy mashed potatoes to go with your chicken and cheese. This classic side dish is a perfect complement to the protein and flavour of the chicken and cheese. It's a comfort food that will leave your taste buds satisfied.
Rice
Rice is a versatile side dish that can be paired with chicken and cheese in many ways. Try a flavoured rice like Spanakorizo, or keep it simple with plain rice to balance out the stronger flavours of the cheese.
Grains
Quinoa, barley, buckwheat, and lentils are excellent sources of protein and fibre. These grains provide a healthy option to go with your chicken and cheese. They add texture and variety to your meal.
Roasted Garlic Ranch Potatoes
These potatoes are a delicious side dish to accompany your chicken and cheese. The roasted garlic adds a punch of flavour, while the ranch dressing keeps things creamy and tangy.
Skinny Baked Breaded Cauliflower
For a lighter option, try this skinny baked cauliflower dish. It's a healthier alternative to traditional fried cauliflower, but it still packs a flavourful punch. The breading adds a satisfying crunch to your meal.
Salads
A fresh salad can be the perfect side to balance out the richness of chicken and cheese. Go for a simple arugula or rucola salad, or add in some sweet tomatoes and crumbled feta cheese. You can also include caramelized onions and blue cheese for a more indulgent option.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several cheese options that work well when stuffed inside chicken. These include Swiss cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, provolone, gouda, cheddar, and cream cheese.
It is recommended to use chicken breasts for stuffing. Skinless and boneless chicken breasts are easier to cut and stuff.
Some side dishes that go well with stuffed chicken include roasted garlic ranch potatoes, skinny baked breaded cauliflower, mashed potatoes, rice (especially Spanakorizo), and grains (quinoa, barley, buckwheat, lentils).
To ensure even cooking and a juicy texture, it is recommended to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness using a meat mallet or meat tenderizer.
You can add ingredients like spinach, onion, garlic, bacon, sun-dried tomatoes, or herbs like parsley, oregano, basil, or paprika to enhance the flavor of your cheese-stuffed chicken.
