Creamy Stuffed Chicken with Pepper Cilantro Sauce: A Delightful Continental Dish
Creamy Stuffed Chicken with Pepper Cilantro Sauce is an incredibly easy and delicious dish that combines the richness of cream cheese and the freshness of cilantro, creating a flavor-packed delight. This recipe is made using minimal oil, ensuring it’s both healthy and scrumptious. The chicken breasts are stuffed with a creamy mixture, seasoned with aromatic herbs and pepper, then served with a delectable pepper cilantro sauce. It’s versatile enough to be served as a starter or main course, pairing wonderfully with rice, pasta, or spaghetti. Whether you’re preparing a cozy lunch or a sophisticated dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian (Note: This dish contains chicken, making it non-vegetarian)
Ingredients for Creamy Stuffed Chicken
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 500 grams |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, crushed | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, cilantro | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon zest | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried Thyme Leaves | 1 teaspoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Sage | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Britannia Cream Cheese | 200 grams |
| Del Monte Black Olives | 1/2 teaspoon |
Ingredients for Pepper Cilantro Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | As required (for glazing) |
| Corn flour | 2 tablespoons |
| Whole Black Peppercorns, crushed | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Sugar | To taste |
| Garlic, finely chopped | 2 cloves |
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Coriander (Dhania) Leaves, finely chopped | 2 sprigs |
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 4-6 people
Instructions for Creamy Stuffed Chicken with Pepper Cilantro Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to an even thickness, approximately 1/2 inch. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a tender bite.
- Once the chicken breasts are flattened, place them on a plate. Top each breast with a generous layer of cream cheese, chopped cilantro, crushed black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Sprinkle lemon zest and mixed dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, oregano, and sage over the chicken.
- Carefully roll up the chicken breasts to form a neat bundle, ensuring the filling stays inside. Tie the rolled chicken with kitchen twine or string to secure the shape and prevent the cheese from oozing out.
- Cover the chicken rolls with cling film and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps the chicken retain its shape and allows the flavors to marinate.
Step 2: Make the Pepper Cilantro Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the milk and cornflour. Whisk them together until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a wide pan on medium heat and add a dash of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the crushed black peppercorns and sauté for a minute to release their aroma.
- Add the finely chopped garlic to the pan and sauté it for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the milk and cornstarch mixture, followed by salt and sugar to taste. Stir the sauce continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.
- Add the chopped coriander (dhania) leaves and bring the sauce to a gentle boil. Continue boiling until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Stuffed Chicken
- In a separate large pan, heat just enough extra virgin olive oil to glaze the surface of the pan. This helps achieve a grilled flavor, without deep-frying the chicken.
- Remove the chicken rolls from the refrigerator and carefully discard the kitchen twine.
- Place the stuffed chicken rolls in the hot pan, cooking them over medium heat. Roll the chicken on all sides to ensure even cooking and achieve a golden caramelized color.
- Continue cooking the chicken until it is fully cooked through (about 7-10 minutes per side), and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Serve
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.
- Slice the chicken into rounds of your desired thickness.
- Pour the freshly made pepper cilantro sauce generously over the sliced chicken.
- Serve this creamy, stuffed chicken alongside your choice of sides such as Spring Onion & Roasted Garlic Brown Rice, Chilled Sweet & Sour Cucumber Noodle Salad, and a refreshing Kiwi Basil Lemonade to complete the meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Spring Onion & Roasted Garlic Brown Rice: The earthy flavors of roasted garlic and spring onions pair wonderfully with the richness of the creamy chicken.
- Chilled Sweet & Sour Cucumber Noodle Salad: The crisp, refreshing salad provides a perfect contrast to the warm, creamy chicken.
- Kiwi Basil Lemonade: A light, tangy beverage that complements the bold flavors of the dish while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
This recipe for Creamy Stuffed Chicken with Pepper Cilantro Sauce is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy option, made with minimal oil and bursting with fresh ingredients. Whether you’re preparing it for a family lunch or a special dinner, this dish will surely leave everyone wanting more. Enjoy!
