Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken
Try this Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe.
Try this Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe.
- 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 egg white beaten
- 2/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 4 teaspoons all-purpose flour
- 4 (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts (24 oz total)
- 2 oz 1/3 less fat cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 2 tablespoons low fat mayonnaise (i used hellmann’s)
- 2 oz shredded 2% sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon diced pimientos (from a jar)
- a pinch of garlic powder
- a pinch of onion powder
- 2 teaspoon canola oil
- Carbohydrate 15.3811374969075 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 3.36906874522562 g
- Fiber 0.965062502559775 g
- Protein 2.73247708292125 g
- Saturated Fat 0.417075416311594 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (52g)
- Sodium 165.03541661375 mg
- Sugar 14.4160749943477 g
- Trans Fat 0.227484999929055 g
- Calories 103 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, pimientos, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the breasts from the side (creating a top and bottom) almost all the way through.
- Open each breast at the slit and distribute the pimento cheese mixture evenly between the breasts, placing it inside the open chicken.
- Spread cheese across the surface and close the breast, folding the top half back over the pimento cheese.
- Combine the flour and Cajun seasoning in a small dish and stir together.
- Place the stuffed breasts in a Ziploc bag and add the Cajun flour mixture. Lightly flip the bag around until the chicken is coated with flour.
- Place the beaten egg white in a shallow dish and the panko crumbs in a second shallow dish.
- Remove each stuffed breast from the flour bag and dip it in the egg white, turning to coat.
- Then move the coated breast to the dish of panko crumbs and coat it on all sides.
- In a large skillet, add the oil and bring over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed and coated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 1 minute until the bread crumbs on the bottom are golden.
- Flip the breasts and cook for another minute on the other side.
- Transfer the breasts to the prepared baking sheet and place in the pre-heated oven.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
A Weeknight Winner: Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weeknights are often a blur of homework help, soccer practice, and the ever-present to-do list. But even amidst the chaos, I refuse to compromise on good food. That’s why I've become a master of quick, flavorful recipes that don't sacrifice taste or quality. This Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe is a perfect example – a dish that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of evenings.
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity. It’s all about taking familiar flavors – creamy pimento cheese, savory chicken, and a crispy breadcrumb crust – and elevating them to a new level. The pimento cheese stuffing is incredibly rich and flavorful, adding a burst of unexpected deliciousness to each bite. The breading provides a satisfying crunch, contrasting beautifully with the tender chicken. It's the kind of dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring hours in the kitchen.
Beyond the Recipe: Why This Dish Matters
This recipe isn't just about a delicious meal; it's about making memories. It's about the aroma of garlic and cheese filling the kitchen, the satisfying sounds of sizzling chicken, and the shared joy of sitting down together for a home-cooked dinner. In our fast-paced world, these moments of connection are precious, and good food is often the glue that binds us together.
The convenience of this recipe is also a significant factor for me. Prep time is minimal, and the oven does most of the work, leaving me free to tend to other things. I often find myself prepping the chicken and pimento cheese mixture in the morning before work and popping it in the oven when I get home. This means less stress and more time spent with my family.
Adapting the Recipe: Your Culinary Canvas
One of the things I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add spices, or adjust the breading to your preference. You can even swap out the panko for crushed crackers for a different textural experience. The possibilities are endless!
More Than Just a Meal: A Celebration of Flavor
This Pimento Cheese Stuffed Chicken isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. It's a testament to the power of good food to bring people together and create lasting memories. So, the next time you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and impressive meal, give this recipe a try. You might just discover your new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients You Might Need
Besides the ingredients listed in the recipe, having a few extra pantry staples on hand is always a good idea. This way, you'll always be prepared for a spontaneous dinner party or a last-minute meal. Consider keeping items like extra flour, different types of cheese, various spices, and bread crumbs stocked up.
Tips for Success
For perfectly cooked chicken, always use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken; work in batches to ensure even browning. And finally, don’t be afraid to experiment! Cooking should be fun, so feel free to customize the recipe to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes would all complement the flavors perfectly. For a more complete meal, consider serving it with a side of rice pilaf or quinoa. The possibilities are truly endless!
