Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Apricot Sauce Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
A posted recipe request led me to a folder of recipes from our 1980’s Gourmet Group. It was great to rediscover this easy, delicious way to transform chicken into a party dish. This Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Apricot Sauce combines tender chicken breasts filled with a savory cheese mixture, baked to perfection, and served with a delightful apricot sauce.
Ingredients:
- 6 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup apple brandy
- 2/3 cup chopped dried apricots
- Chopped chives or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
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Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Prepare stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parmesan cheese, egg, chopped walnuts, parsley, nutmeg, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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Prepare chicken: Using your fingers, carefully separate the skin from the flesh of each chicken breast, leaving one side attached. Be gentle to avoid tearing the skin.
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Stuff chicken: Lift the unattached skin and spoon about 1/6 of the cheese mixture between the skin and the chicken, smoothing it out evenly. Secure the opening with a toothpick to keep the stuffing in place.
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Bake chicken: Place the stuffed chicken breasts skin side up in a shallow baking dish. Brush the tops with melted butter. Bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the skin is golden brown and crispy.
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Prepare the sauce: While the chicken is baking, prepare the apricot sauce. In a saucepan, combine chicken broth and cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens and becomes bubbly.
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Add flavor: Stir in the apple brandy and chopped dried apricots. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a serving platter. Pour the apricot sauce over the chicken, covering it generously. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 525.8
- Fat: 31.7g
- Saturated Fat: 13.2g
- Cholesterol: 173.8mg
- Sodium: 549.4mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 10.1g
- Protein: 44.3g
This Cheese Stuffed Chicken with Apricot Sauce is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors, making it perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner that feels like a celebration. Enjoy the tender chicken, creamy cheese filling, and tangy apricot sauce with each mouthwatering bite!
