Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Introduction

Stuffed chicken breasts filled with a sweet and savory blend of pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and fresh spinach make for an elegant yet simple meal. This recipe combines creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that are sure to impress your dinner guests or elevate a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ripe yet firm pears, diced
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Slice open each chicken breast on one side to create a pocket and stuff them with the pear mixture.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm pears to prevent the filling from becoming too soft during cooking.
• Substitute Gorgonzola with blue cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
• For extra crunch, add toasted walnuts or pecans to the stuffing mixture.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a pan and transfer to a baking dish before placing in the oven.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave on medium power to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors meld and saves time on the day you plan to serve.

What can I serve with stuffed chicken breasts?

This dish pairs well with simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the filling.

Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 115 reviews

This stuffed chicken recipe combines tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a delicious filling of ripe pears, creamy Gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach, and garlic. The chicken is seared to golden perfection on the stovetop and then baked in the oven to lock in moisture and flavor, resulting in a savory and slightly sweet entrée perfect for a sophisticated weeknight dinner or special occasion.

• Author: Elena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Stuffing

• 2 ripe yet firm pears, diced
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Other

• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the chicken after searing.
2. Prepare the stuffing mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix evenly to integrate all flavors.
3. Create chicken pockets and stuff. Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast lengthwise on one side without cutting all the way through, forming a pocket. Carefully spoon the pear and cheese mixture into each pocket, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Sear the stuffed chicken. Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden brown crust.
5. Bake the chicken. Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
6. Rest and serve. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar to add a tangy finish before serving.

Notes

• Make sure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
• Use ripe but firm pears to maintain texture in the stuffing.
• Searing the chicken before baking helps seal in juices and enhances flavor.
• You can substitute Gorgonzola with another blue cheese or feta if preferred.
• Balsamic vinegar adds a subtle acidity that complements the sweetness of the pears; add sparingly.
• Resting the chicken after baking ensures moist and tender meat.

Keywords: stuffed chicken, chicken breasts, Gorgonzola stuffed chicken, pear filling, baked chicken, savory chicken recipe