Stuffed chicken tenders are a delicious option to surprise your guests or simply enjoy an elegant meal at home. This recipe will guide you to prepare stuffed chicken tenders with a tasty and juicy filling. Let’s give a special touch to dinner!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Fillets:
- 4 chicken breast fillets, boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Olive oil for browning
For the filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For Coverage:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil to decorate
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparation of the Chicken Fillets
- Preparation of the Steaks:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.
- Dry the chicken fillets with kitchen paper.
- Make horizontal cuts in each fillet, creating a pocket without reaching the ends.
- Seasoning of the Steaks:
- Season the chicken fillets with salt and pepper inside and out.
- Sprinkle garlic powder and paprika on both sides.
Step 2: Filling Preparation
- Spinach and Cheese Mix:
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese and minced garlic.
- Add salt, pepper and nutmeg to taste. Mix well.
Step 3: Stuffing the Fillets
- Stuff the Fillets:
- Fill each pocket in the fillets with the spinach and cheese mixture.
Step 4: Browning and Baking
- Browning of the Steaks:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the fillets on both sides until golden brown.
- Transfer to Oven:
- Place the browned fillets on a baking sheet.
Step 5: Covering and Final Baking
- Add Cherry Tomatoes and Cheese:
- Arrange the halved cherry tomatoes over the fillets.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over each steak.
- Final Baking:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Step 6: Serve and Decorate
- Decoration with Basil:
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
- Ready to Enjoy!
- Serve the stuffed chicken fillets on a bed of rice, pasta or with your favorite accompaniment.
Additional Tips:
- Filling Variations: Experiment with different fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, ham, or feta cheese, to customize the dish to your tastes.
- Creative Sides: Serve stuffed chicken tenders with mashed potatoes, fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
There you have it! A dish of stuffed chicken fillets that will delight your guests with its mix of flavors. This recipe elevates chicken to a gourmet level without excessive complications. Enjoy!