Are you craving a delicious and satisfying meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This Cheese and Salsa Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a healthy, flavorful dish that's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of savory chicken, spicy salsa, and melty cheese, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to elevate your weeknight dinner routine with this simple yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of your favorite salsa (mild, medium, or hot – adjust to your spice preference!)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (Monterey Jack, cheddar, and pepper jack work well)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 2: Stuff the Chicken
Evenly distribute the salsa and cheese into the pockets of each chicken breast. Season the outside of the chicken with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious and easy Cheese and Salsa Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures even browning and cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of salsa and chili powder to your liking. For a milder dish, use a mild salsa and reduce the chili powder.
- Add vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding sautéed bell peppers and onions to the skillet alongside the chicken.
Variations:
- Cream Cheese Filling: Add a layer of softened cream cheese to the chicken pocket for extra richness and creaminess.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, mozzarella, or even crumbled queso fresco.
- Black Beans: Add a layer of cooked black beans to the chicken pocket for extra protein and flavor.
- Different Salsa: Explore different salsa flavors – mango salsa, corn salsa, or even a homemade salsa for unique flavor combinations.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
This information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This Cheese and Salsa Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea perfect for busy weeknights, and the homemade cooking experience is undeniably satisfying. Enjoy this delicious dish!