Sundried Tomato Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast
Table of Contents
- Recipe Introduction
- Let's Talk Sun Dried Tomatoes
- The Star of the Show: Sun Dried Tomatoes
- Making the Magic Happen
- Why This Chicken Will Rock Your World
- Before we dive in, a little word!
- How to Sun Dry Tomatoes
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Sundried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
- Recipe Notes
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a trip to Italy, but your bank account is saying "Ciao for now"? This sun dried tomato stuffed chicken breast recipe brings all those Italian vibes right to your kitchen.
Honestly, is there anything better than that rich, tangy flavour combo?
Brief Overview
This Italian chicken recipes originates in the heart of Italy, where family meals are everything. It's a medium difficulty recipe. Expect about an hour from start to finish.
This recipe serves four hungry folks.
Main Benefits
It provides a good source of protein and essential nutrients. It's great for a weekend dinner or a special occasion.
What makes this stuffed chicken breast recipe so great? The burst of flavour in every bite.
Let's Talk Sun Dried Tomatoes
Did you know that sun dried tomatoes aren't just tasty? They're also packed with antioxidants! This recipe for sun dried tomatoes is a total game changer.
I used to think they were a fancy ingredient, but honestly it is very simple How To Make Dried Tomatoes , there are also many tutorials for How To Sun Dry Tomatoes In The Sun
The Star of the Show: Sun Dried Tomatoes
For this sun dried tomato recipes dish, we’re using oil-packed sun dried tomatoes . The oil adds extra flavour and keeps them nice and soft.
You can find them in most supermarkets, usually near the olives and other antipasti.
Making the Magic Happen
This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food and Italian flair. The creamy Parmesan sauce recipe really elevates the whole dish.
It's one of those Italian chicken recipes that you'll want to make again and again.
Why This Chicken Will Rock Your World
Honestly, this chicken with ricotta filling is divine. The combination of salty, tangy, and creamy is just spot on. I remember the first time I made it.
My flatmate nearly licked the plate clean. It was that good. How To Sun Dry Tomatoes? Well, for this recipe, buy them, it's easier.
Before we dive in, a little word!
This sun dried tomato recipes is simple, but the magic is in the details.
How to Sun Dry Tomatoes
Well, not in this recipe, but hey, maybe next time! Enjoy creating this yummy dish, and get ready for some compliments.
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make this insane Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe ! I’m all about keeping it real and using stuff you probably already have.
No need for crazy specialty shops. You know, how to sun dry tomatoes to create this Recipe For Sun Dried Tomatoes it takes time so, in this recipe, we just buy them already made!
Main Ingredients for Italian Chicken Recipes
Here's the breakdown for four servings of deliciousness.
Chicken Breasts: You'll need 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Each one should be around 6-8 oz (170-225g) . Make sure they're nice and plump.
The better the quality, the better the end result.
Ricotta Cheese: Grab 1/2 cup (4 oz/115g) of full fat ricotta. Don’t skimp on the fat here, it adds amazing creaminess.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: This is the star! 1/4 cup (2 oz/60ml) of oil-packed, drained and chopped sun dried tomatoes. Sun-dried tomatoes Diy is great.
If you prefer to learn how to make dried tomatoes , but for this dish, grab the jarred ones, they're perfect.
Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup (1/2 oz/15g) of freshly chopped basil. Fresh is key! Dried basil just won't cut it.
Garlic: Just one clove, minced.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course.
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, divided.
Butter: 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter.
Flour: 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour.
Chicken Broth: 1 cup (8 fl oz/240ml) of low-sodium chicken broth.
Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (4 fl oz/120ml) .
Parmesan Cheese: The real deal, freshly grated! You'll need 1/2 cup (2 oz/60g). This is the base of the Parmesan sauce recipe .
Essential Seasoning Notes
Think of this as building flavour layers.
- The Italian Vibe: Basil, garlic, and sun dried tomatoes are your core. This combo screams Italy!
- Umami Boost: Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with that savory "umami" flavour. You know, that makes your mouth water.
- Spice It Up (Optional): A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a little warmth.
- Quick Sub: No fresh basil? A teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning will do in a pinch.
Essential Equipment Needed
Don't worry, you don't need a fancy kitchen. I get asked about How To Sun Dry Tomatoes In The Sun all the time, but that's a different tutorial!
- Large Skillet: Ideally oven safe. If not, just have a baking dish handy.
- Meat Mallet or Rolling Pin: For flattening the chicken. This helps it cook evenly.
- Small Bowl: For mixing the filling.
- Whisk: For the sauce.
- Toothpicks (Optional): To keep the chicken rolled up if needed.
Sundried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast with Creamy Parmesan Sauce
Oh my gosh, you have to try this recipe! Forget boring chicken breasts. This stuffed chicken breast recipe is like a little trip to Italy.
The recipe for sun dried tomatoes in this dish just explodes with flavour. It is actually the most flavourful italian chicken recipes that I have made in a long time.
This isn't hard, I promise.
Prep Power: Your Mise en Place Mission
Alright, let's get organised. First, grab those 4 chicken breasts and get them flattened. It’s kinda therapeutic, actually. Think of it like a little stress relief.
Mix together your 0.5 cup of ricotta, 0.25 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes , 0.25 cup basil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a bowl.
This is your flavour bomb. Safety first, though! Make sure your chicken is fully defrosted before you start bashing it about!
Stuff It Real Good: The step-by-step
Here's the lowdown on how to make this happen.
- Bash those chicken breasts until they are about 0.5 inches thick. Season each side with salt and pepper.
- Spread that cheesy, tomato-y goodness evenly over each chicken breast. Not too much! Don't overfill.
- Roll 'em up tightly! If needed, use toothpicks to keep it all snug.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet. Sear those chicken rolls until they're browned on all sides.
- Bake or simmer! Into a 375° F oven for 20- 25 minutes . Or cover and simmer on low until the chicken reaches 165° F inside.
- Set the chicken aside and melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken broth, then add 0.5 cup heavy cream and 0.5 cup Parmesan. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if you're feeling spicy). Cook until the parmesan sauce recipe thickens.
- Pour that glorious sauce over the chicken and serve immediately.
Pro Tips For Winning at Chicken
Honestly, fresh Parmesan is key. Seriously, don't skimp. And be careful with the salt! Sun dried tomatoes can be salty little devils.
Want to prep ahead? Stuff the chicken in the morning and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
This chicken with ricotta filling is amazing, and sun dried tomato recipes are just so versatile! How to sun dry tomatoes is a project for another day! And don't forget, how to make dried tomatoes is a different process than how to sun dry tomatoes in the sun , just FYI.
If you want to try a sun dried tomatoes diy project it is something that requires a little bit of skill.
And there you have it!
Recipe Notes
Alright, let's talk about some extra bits that make this Sun Dried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast sing. I’ve messed this up a few times.
Honestly, it's all about the little things!
Serving Like a Pro
Presentation is key, right? Plate this up with a swirl of the Parmesan sauce recipe underneath, almost like a fancy restaurant! A sprig of basil on top? Chef's kiss! For sides, think something simple like roasted asparagus.
Garlic mashed potatoes are divine too. A light green salad is always a winner. I usually pair this with a crisp Pinot Grigio.
It just works . Oh, and sometimes I splash a little white wine to the sauce.
Storing Leftovers (If There Are Any!)
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is great for meal prepping. Honestly, if you’ve got leftovers, pop them in an airtight container.
They'll keep in the fridge for about three days. Freezing? Yeah, you can , but the texture of the ricotta might change a bit.
When reheating, bake it or warm it gently in a pan with a little sauce to keep it moist. Don't microwave it unless you want rubber chicken! I did this once and learned my lesson.
Mix It Up: Recipe For Sun Dried Tomatoes Tweaks
Want to play around a bit? You can totally swap the basil and sun dried tomatoes for spinach and artichoke hearts.
Super tasty! Need a dairy-free version? No problem! Use plant based ricotta and olive oil instead of butter in the sauce.
Plus, use a dairy-free cream alternative. Want some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling adds a nice kick.
If you don't have chicken broth, vegetable broth will do fine. If you like a tangier flavor, substitute ricotta with cream cheese.
For a sharper flavor, use Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, I'm no nutritionist but a serving clocks in at about 450 calories. You're getting a good hit of protein.
Around 45g, which is great! The healthy fats from the cheese and olive oil are awesome too. The best part? The sun dried tomatoes diy provide lots of antioxidants and the garlic is great for your immune system.
This isn't just tasty; it’s good for you too. I mean, what could be better than good healthy Italian chicken recipes
So, go on! Give this How To Make Dried Tomatoes recipe a try. Even if you've never Sun Dried Tomatoes Diy before.
You'll be surprised how easy it is to make something so delicious! Whether you learn How To Sun Dry Tomatoes In The Sun or indoors.
Enjoy your cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best sun dried tomatoes to use for this recipe? Should I get the oil-packed or the dry ones?
For this Sundried Tomato & Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe, oil-packed sun dried tomatoes are generally preferred. They're softer and more flavorful because they've been marinating in the oil. Just remember to drain them well before chopping and adding them to the ricotta filling. Using dry-packed ones?
Rehydrate them in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them up a bit before using.
My sun dried tomato chicken always ends up dry! What am I doing wrong?
Ah, the dreaded dry chicken! Flattening the chicken breasts to an even thickness helps them cook more evenly, preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. Also, be careful not to overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Finally, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking (before slicing) helps retain moisture - think of it like letting a steak rest.
Can I make this sun dried tomatoes stuffed chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts ahead of time even the day before. Just stuff them, cover them tightly with cling film, and refrigerate. When you're ready to cook, sear and bake as directed. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
The sauce is best made fresh for the best flavour and consistency.
I'm watching my calorie intake. Are sun dried tomatoes healthy, and how can I make this recipe lighter?
Sun dried tomatoes are indeed healthy in moderation. They're packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. To lighten up the recipe, you can use part skim ricotta cheese, reduce the amount of heavy cream in the sauce (or substitute with half and-half), and use less Parmesan.
Also consider serving with a lighter side like steamed green beans or a large salad instead of mashed potatoes.
What if I don't have an oven safe skillet? Can I still make this delicious sun dried tomato dish?
No worries, mate! If you don't have an oven safe skillet, simply sear the chicken breasts as directed in a regular skillet. Then, transfer them to a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Alternatively, after searing, you can reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer until cooked through, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Can I freeze this sun dried tomato stuffed chicken?
You sure can! For best results, freeze the stuffed chicken before baking. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in cling film, then place them in a freezer bag. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
The sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it separately if needed; however, the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
Sundried Tomato Basil Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 0g |