Looking for a restaurant-quality meal you can make at home? This stuffed chicken recipe, paired with herbed potatoes, brings the flavors of a French restaurant straight to your kitchen. With creamy, cheese-filled chicken and perfectly seasoned potatoes, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
- Chicken Fillets: 2
- Processed Cheese: 150g (Boursin or similar soft, garlic and herbs cheese)
- Parsley: A bunch, finely chopped
- Onion: 1, finely diced
- Mushrooms: 200g, sliced
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
- Vegetable Oil or Fat: for cooking
For the Herbed Potatoes:
- Potatoes: 500g, peeled and sliced into wedges
- Salt: to taste
- Black Pepper: to taste
- Sweet Paprika Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon
- Vegetable Oil or Fat: for roasting
Instructions
Stuffed Chicken Preparation:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a pan over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and sauté the diced onion and sliced mushrooms until softened and lightly browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken Fillets:
- Take each chicken fillet and gently flatten it with a meat mallet between two sheets of plastic wrap to an even thickness for easier rolling.
- Assemble Stuffing:
- Spread a layer of processed cheese over each flattened chicken fillet.
- Sprinkle the sautéed mushroom and onion mixture over the cheese, and add a layer of chopped parsley.
- Roll and Secure:
- Carefully roll up each chicken fillet, enclosing the filling, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the rolled chicken fillets in a greased baking dish. If you have any remaining vegetable oil or fat, you can brush it over the chicken.
- Bake Chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the juices run clear.
Herbed Potatoes Preparation:
- Season Potatoes:
- In a bowl, toss the potato wedges with vegetable oil, sweet paprika powder, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper until they are well-coated with the seasonings.
- Bake Potatoes:
- Spread the seasoned potatoes on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.
- Place in the oven and bake at the same temperature (180°C or 350°F) for about 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
To Serve:
- Rest and Slice Chicken:
- Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after baking before slicing to keep the cheese filling from spilling out.
- Plate the Dish:
- Serve the stuffed chicken sliced to reveal the creamy filling alongside the herbed potatoes.
- Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
Tips for Success
- Even Cooking: Flatten the chicken fillets evenly to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Secure Filling: Use toothpicks to secure the rolled chicken fillets and prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Crispy Potatoes: Ensure the potato wedges are spread in a single layer on the baking sheet to achieve crispiness.
Health Benefits
This dish not only delivers on flavor but also provides nutritional benefits:
- Protein-Rich: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Parsley, onions, and mushrooms add a variety of vitamins and minerals, enhancing the nutritional value of the dish.
- Healthy Carbohydrates: Potatoes are a good source of complex carbohydrates, providing energy and fiber.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use any soft cheese with herbs, like herbed goat cheese or cream cheese with garlic and herbs.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffed chicken fillets in advance and refrigerate them. Bake them when ready to serve.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use other herbs for the potatoes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil.
Q: What other sides can I serve with this dish?
A: This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or a light couscous salad.
Conclusion
This French-inspired stuffed chicken recipe, paired with herbed potatoes, is sure to impress your family and guests. The creamy cheese filling and perfectly seasoned potatoes make this dish a standout meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of French cuisine at home!