Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breasts - BC Dairy

For BC dairy farmers

Health Professionals

Milk in Schools

School or Educator

Prep Time

45 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

1 hr 25 mins

Ingredients

Chicken

¾ cup (190 mL) Canadian buttermilk
1 tsp (2 g) paprika
1 tsp (2 g) garlic powder
1 tsp (2 g) onion powder
4 boneless chicken breasts (700 g)

Filling

½ tbsp (7.5 mL) Canadian unsalted butter
1 cup (30 g) spinach, finely chopped
1 (3 g) clove garlic, minced
½ cup (120 mL) Canadian 10% ricotta cheese, strained
2 tbsp (18 g) roasted red pepper, finely diced
1/8 tsp (0.7 g) salt

Tomato Base

2 cups (320 g) cherry tomatoes
1 (3 g) clove garlic, thinly sliced
½ cup (115 g) Canadian cream cheese, cubed
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil

Cheese Topping

½ cup (60 g) Canadian mozzarella cheese, grated
¼ cup (28 g) Canadian parmesan cheese, grated

Directions

Chicken: Using a sharp knife, cut 4 slits across the top of each chicken breast, slicing about three quarters of the way through while keeping the base intact. In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 375°F.
Remove chicken from marinade, discard liquid. Lightly pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Filling: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chopped spinach and garlic. Cook until wilted. Remove from heat. In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, ricotta cheese, roasted red pepper and salt. Mix well.
Assembly: Spoon filling into the slits of each chicken breast. Set aside.
Tomato Base: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, toss cherry tomatoes, sliced garlic, cream cheese and olive oil.
Place each chicken breast into the tomato mixture and bake 30 minutes or to an internal temperature of 165˚F.
Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the grated cheeses over the chicken and broil for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
Remove the chicken from the dish. Stir the tomatoes and cream cheese together until they form a loose sauce. Serve the chicken with the tomato sauce spooned around it.

Cheesy Stuffed Chicken Breasts