Zucchini-Stuffed Chicken Breast 🍗🥒
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Description:
The skin of this chicken makes a natural pocket to hold the stuffing mixture in. This zucchini-stuffed chicken breast recipe is perfect for a dinner party—it’s quite easy to make and incredibly delicious. 🎉
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 tbsp | Butter |
| 1 | Onion, finely chopped |
| 2 cloves | Garlic cloves, minced |
| 1/2 cup | Fresh parsley, chopped |
| 2 tsp | Dried basil |
| 2 | Zucchinis, diced |
| 3/4 cup | Bread crumbs |
| 1 | Egg |
| 3/4 cup | Swiss cheese, grated |
| 4 | Chicken breast halves |
Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 369.9
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11.6g
- Cholesterol: 140.8mg
- Sodium: 302mg
- Carbohydrates: 15.8g
- Fiber: 1.8g
- Sugar: 3.6g
- Protein: 25.1g
Instructions:
-
Preheat Oven:
- Start by setting your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
-
Prepare Baking Pan:
- Butter a 13 x 9-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
-
Prepare Zucchini Mixture:
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
-
Saute Aromatics:
- Add finely chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, chopped parsley, and dried basil to the skillet.
- Saute until the onion is tender, which should take about 3 minutes.
-
Add Zucchini:
- Toss in the diced zucchinis and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Mix in Bread Crumbs:
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the bread crumbs until well combined.
-
Add Egg and Cheese:
- Crack an egg into the mixture, followed by the grated Swiss cheese.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and mix everything together thoroughly.
-
Prepare Chicken Breasts:
- Carefully loosen the skin of each chicken breast on one side, creating a pocket.
- Ensure not to detach the skin completely; you want it to create a pouch for the stuffing.
-
Stuff Chicken Breasts:
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the prepared zucchini mixture, distributing it evenly among the breasts.
-
Bake to Perfection:
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the buttered baking pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) for safe consumption.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, remove the zucchini-stuffed chicken breasts from the oven.
- Allow them to rest for a few minutes before serving, ensuring all the juices redistribute for maximum flavor.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Swiss cheese, if desired.
- Serve these delightful zucchini-stuffed chicken breasts hot alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Recipe Notes:
- Customize the Stuffing: Feel free to get creative with the stuffing! Add some diced tomatoes, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the zucchini mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to stuff the chicken breasts.
- Leftovers: Any leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick and delicious meal.
Enjoy this impressive yet simple zucchini-stuffed chicken breast recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next dinner gathering! 🍽✨
