Chicken Breast with Black Olive Stuffing
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Description: This delightful dish combines the juicy tenderness of chicken breasts with a savory black olive stuffing that elevates the flavor profile to new heights. After some experimentation, I found that using boneless, skinless breasts, pounded to approximately ½ inch thickness, allows the stuffing to infuse its rich flavors beautifully. I served this with roasted Brussels sprouts and steamed baby carrots for an excellent, well-rounded meal that everyone will enjoy. The olives impart a distinctive and delicious taste that truly enhances the dish.
Recipe Details
| Category | Chicken Breast |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Chicken, Poultry, Meat, < 60 Mins, Oven |
| Servings | 4 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 334.8 |
| Total Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 144.5 mg |
| Sodium | 401 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.4 g |
| Sugars | 2 g |
| Protein | 56.6 g |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Butter | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1 medium, diced |
| Reduced-sodium chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Herb-seasoned stuffing cubes | 3 cups |
| Black olives (chopped) | 1 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 2 tablespoons |
| Dried thyme | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Skinless chicken breasts | 4 pieces |
| Hot paprika | 1 teaspoon (optional) |
Instructions
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Begin your culinary adventure by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and sauté until tender, stirring occasionally, which should take approximately 6 minutes. This process enhances the sweetness of the onion, creating a wonderful base for your stuffing.
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Once the onions have softened beautifully, pour in the reduced-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to bubble softly for a moment, then remove the skillet from heat, letting the flavors meld together.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the herb-seasoned stuffing cubes and the chopped black olives, tossing them together until they are well incorporated. Next, pour the warm broth mixture over the stuffing and olives, mixing thoroughly until the stuffing is evenly moistened and flavorful.
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Prepare a greased 13×9-inch baking dish by spooning four generous mounds of the stuffing mixture into the center of the dish. Take a moment to pat them down lightly to form a stable base for the chicken breasts.
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In a small bowl, mix together the Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Spread this aromatic mixture evenly over the four chicken breasts, ensuring that each piece is generously coated, infusing them with incredible flavor.
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Place each chicken breast atop its respective mound of stuffing, ensuring that the stuffing is completely covered. If desired, sprinkle hot paprika over the chicken for an added hint of spice and color.
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the dish uncovered for about 40 minutes, or until the chicken breasts are cooked through and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they will be juicy and tender if properly timed.
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Once cooked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
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Serve your Chicken Breast with Black Olive Stuffing alongside your favorite seasonal vegetables, such as roasted Brussels sprouts and steamed baby carrots, for a delightful and satisfying meal that everyone will rave about.
By following these detailed instructions, you’ll create a dish that not only pleases the palate but also provides a beautiful presentation for your dinner table. Enjoy!
