| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins – 30 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 341 | 16g | 6g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 2g | 32g | 0.7g |
Delight your taste buds with an explosion of flavors from the Bell Pepper and Cheese stuffed Chicken Breasts, a recipe reminiscent of my Montana upbringing, yet with a distinctly contemporary twist. This robust dish is developed from a rich amalgamation of ingredients that effortlessly entwine to create a culinary experience that’s both nourishing and pleasurable. It echoes familiar flavors from my roots but introduces a complexity that’s absolutely spellbinding.
Nourishment And Flavors
Every bite of the Bell Pepper and Cheese stuffed Chicken Breasts is a delightful journey. It presents a hearty blend of diverse textures and flavors – the finesse of finely diced bell peppers, the depth of minced garlic, the creamy delight of cheese, and the punch of oregano and basil – all enhanced by a glossy coating of olive oil. And let’s not forget the chicken breasts – tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. Peppers are loaded with vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C, and also carry a good share of dietary fiber. Cheese, meanwhile, is excellent for your bones, loaded with calcium and protein. Not to mention, the olive oil brings along its share of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. A versatile dish like this pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a green salad, and perhaps even a bowl of creamy mashed potatoes for those indulgent dinners.
Rekindling Fond Memories With a Twist
The components of this recipe bring me back to the wide-open landscapes of Montana – the sprawling ranches, the bison herds, the clear skies. But just like any good recipe, it’s not just about replicating the past, it’s about evolving and intertwining the old with the new. This dish offers that familiar comfort food feeling, yet introduces an element of surprise, a hint of the extraordinary. It’s not a million miles away from a classic cheese-stuffed chicken, but the bell peppers add a different dimension, a burst of color, and a distinct crunch that adds to the textural experience.
So whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, this Bell Pepper and Cheese stuffed Chicken Breasts recipe is designed to impress. It’s not just a meal, it’s a wholesome experience that takes you on a culinary journey, rekindles fond memories, and leaves a lingering taste of deliciousness. So don’t just cook. Create, indulge, and let the flavors take you places.
What You’ll Need
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar or swiss works well)
- 2 bell peppers (any color), finely diced
- 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup bread crumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is preheating, take your chicken breasts and create a pocket in each one by cutting a slit along one side. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Set these aside for now.
Step Two
In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced bell peppers, onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pan from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
Step Three
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, shredded cheese, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Mix until everything is well combined. This will be your stuffing mixture for the chicken breasts.
Step Four
Take your chicken breasts and stuff each one with a generous amount of the vegetable and cheese mixture. Secure the edges of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the stuffing from falling out during baking.
Step Five
In a shallow dish, beat the two eggs. In another separate dish, place the bread crumbs. Take each stuffed chicken breast, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it in bread crumbs. Place the breaded chicken breasts in a baking dish.
Step Six
Bake the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese stuffing is melted and bubbly. For safety, the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step Seven
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before removing the toothpicks. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your bell pepper and cheese stuffed chicken breasts!
