Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Special equipment needed:
- Meat mallet
- Toothpicks
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
b. Using a meat mallet, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness.
c. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper.
d. Spoon the ricotta mixture onto one side of each chicken breast, then fold the other side over to enclose the filling.
e. Secure the edges with toothpicks.
f. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
g. Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
h. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
i. Remove the toothpicks before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
5. Temperature:
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Protein: 47g
Sodium: 450mg
Sugar: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese.
- Instead of basil, you can use spinach or parsley.
- Instead of Parmesan cheese, you can use Romano cheese or Asiago cheese.
- Instead of breadcrumbs, you can use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Variations:
- Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the ricotta mixture for extra flavor.
- Use different herbs or spices to season the chicken breasts, such as oregano, thyme, or paprika.
- Instead of chicken breasts, you can use turkey cutlets or pork chops.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness so they cook evenly.
- Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the stuffed chicken breasts to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the stuffed chicken breasts on a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables for a colorful and nutritious meal.
Garnishes:
Garnish with some chopped fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Pairings:
Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes for a hearty meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Quinoa salad
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the chicken breasts are too thick, they may not cook through in the oven. Make sure to pound them to an even thickness before stuffing and cooking.
- If the filling leaks out during cooking, use more toothpicks to secure the edges.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the chicken breasts to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.
Food history:
Stuffed chicken breasts have been a popular dish for centuries, with various fillings and seasonings used around the world.
Flavor profiles:
This dish is savory and creamy, with a hint of basil and Parmesan cheese.
Serving suggestions:
Serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage.
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Region: Italian