Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup quark cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and chives)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Toothpicks
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the quark cheese, chopped herbs, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the quark mixture onto one half of each chicken breast.
5. Fold the other half of the chicken breast over the quark mixture and secure with toothpicks.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.
7. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until cooked through.
9. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
4 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 44g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Quark cheese can be substituted with cream cheese or ricotta cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with any hard cheese.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the quark mixture for added flavor.
- Use different herbs such as basil or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Stuff the chicken breasts with spinach and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired dish.
Tips and tricks:
- Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in the chicken breast for easier stuffing.
- Make sure to secure the toothpicks tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed chicken breasts on a bed of greens or with roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Pairings:
Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken breasts are too thick, they may not cook through in the oven. Pound them to an even thickness before stuffing.
- If the filling leaks out during cooking, make sure the toothpicks are secured tightly.
Food safety advice:
Make sure the chicken breasts are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Quark cheese is a German-style cheese that is similar to cottage cheese or ricotta cheese.
Flavor profiles:
The quark and herb filling adds a creamy and herbaceous flavor to the chicken breasts.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A