Are you ready to transform an ordinary chicken dinner into a mouthwatering culinary adventure? Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Green Chile and Cheese Stuffed Chicken - a recipe that promises to turn your kitchen into a flavor fiesta! Imagine tender chicken breasts bursting with creamy, spicy filling that will make your dinner guests think you've secretly trained with a top Mexican chef. This isn't just another chicken recipe; it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and irresistible cheesy goodness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup green chiles, diced
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts by placing them on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to create a pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through; you want to create a space for the filling.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the diced green chiles, cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Using a spoon or a small spatula, carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the green chile and cheese mixture. Make sure to fill them generously, but don’t overstuff, as this may cause the filling to spill out during cooking.
- Once all the chicken breasts are stuffed, lightly season the outside of each breast with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown.
- After searing, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through.
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
- Serve the green chile and cheese stuffed chicken with your choice of sides, such as rice, beans, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Mexican-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pocket Perfection: When creating the chicken breast pocket, use a sharp knife and cut slowly to avoid tearing the meat. A clean, precise pocket ensures maximum filling and minimal leakage.
- Cheese Mixing Hack: Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing with other ingredients. This makes blending smoother and ensures even distribution of flavors.
- Searing Secrets: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that beautiful golden-brown exterior. This step locks in moisture and adds incredible flavor.
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to check that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. This guarantees both safety and juiciness.
- Resting Ritual: Never skip the 5-minute resting period after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and tender.
- Customize Your Spice: Adjust green chile quantity based on your heat preference. For mild lovers, use fewer chiles; for heat seekers, add extra!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg
