Poultry > Chicken > Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Morello Cherry and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Morello cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil

Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Kitchen twine

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness.
3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped Morello cherries, chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, thyme leaves, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Divide the cherry and walnut mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, placing it in the center of each breast.
5. Roll up the chicken breasts tightly, tucking in the ends, and tie with kitchen twine to secure.
6. Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned.
8. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 380
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 270mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 38g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Morello cherries can be substituted with any other type of pitted cherry.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any other type of hard cheese, such as Romano or Asiago.
- Fresh thyme leaves can be substituted with dried thyme.

Variations:
- Add crumbled feta cheese to the cherry and walnut mixture for a tangy twist.
- Use dried cherries instead of fresh cherries for a more concentrated flavor.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese for a vegetarian option.
- Serve the stuffed chicken breasts with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly so they cook evenly.
- Use kitchen twine to secure the stuffed chicken breasts so the filling doesn't fall out during cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Storage instructions:
Leftover stuffed chicken breasts can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the chicken breasts in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the sliced stuffed chicken breasts on a bed of quinoa or rice, garnished with fresh thyme leaves.

Garnishes:
Fresh thyme leaves or chopped walnuts.

Pairings:
Pair the Morello Cherry and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breasts with a glass of Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.

Suggested side dishes:
Roasted vegetables or a mixed green salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the chicken breasts are not cooked through after 25 minutes in the oven, continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Morello cherries are a sour cherry variety that originated in the Balkans and have been cultivated for centuries. They are often used in baking and cooking, and are a popular ingredient in Eastern European cuisine.

Flavor profiles:
The Morello Cherry and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breasts have a sweet and savory flavor, with the tartness of the cherries balancing out the richness of the chicken and walnuts.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the Morello Cherry and Walnut Stuffed Chicken Breasts as a main course for a dinner party or special occasion.

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Taste: Savory, Tangy, Sweet, Nutty, Rich