Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
These Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a savory and satisfying dish that will elevate any meal. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts filled with flavorful chorizo, garlic, and a hint of spice, all wrapped up in a golden, crispy exterior. Each bite is a perfect blend of hearty and comforting, with a little kick to keep things exciting. Trust me, this recipe will soon become a family favorite!
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just treat yourself to something delicious, this chorizo-stuffed chicken is the way to go. It’s bold, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make!
Why You’ll Love Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
This dish combines the rich flavors of chorizo with the mildness of chicken breast, making every bite a little piece of heaven. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Flavor-Packed: Chorizo brings a depth of flavor with just the right amount of heat, perfectly complementing the tender chicken.
Quick and Easy: This dish comes together quickly, with minimal prep time, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Impressive yet Simple: With just a few ingredients, this dish looks and tastes like you’ve been cooking for hours, but it’s actually super simple to pull off.
Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of flavors and textures will win over both chorizo lovers and chicken enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients in Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful, hearty dish:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts make the perfect vessel for the flavorful stuffing.
Chorizo: The smoky, spicy sausage that takes this dish to the next level. The chorizo filling will infuse the chicken with bold flavor.
Garlic: Adds an aromatic depth to the stuffing, making each bite even more delicious.
Cheese: A bit of shredded cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar, to melt inside the chicken for a rich, gooey surprise.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a subtle earthy flavor that balances the richness of the chorizo.
Olive Oil: For browning and crisping the chicken.
Spices: A dash of paprika and pepper to complement the chorizo and bring everything together.
Instructions
Ready to get cooking? Let’s dive in!
Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Prepare the Chorizo Filling:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chorizo until it’s browned and cooked through. Add minced garlic and spinach, cooking until the spinach is wilted. Stir in the cheese and mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the filling is well combined.
Stuff the Chicken:
Using a sharp knife, carefully make a pocket in each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through. Stuff the chicken with the chorizo mixture, packing it in tightly.
Sear the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes, until golden brown.
Bake to Perfection:
Transfer the chicken to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious flavors in every bite.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or some creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter side, try pairing it with a simple quinoa or couscous salad. You can also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up all those flavorful juices.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to make this recipe even better:
- Use spicy or mild chorizo, depending on your heat preference.
- Add extra veggies like bell peppers or onions to the stuffing for more flavor.
- Top with a little cilantro or parsley before serving for a fresh touch.
- For a crispy crust, broil the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can swap the chorizo with another sausage like Italian sausage or chicken sausage for a different flavor.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts in advance and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.
3. Can I freeze stuffed chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts before cooking. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before searing and baking.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well for this recipe and will give the dish a juicier result.
5. What can I serve with Chorizo Stuffed Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with sides like roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a fresh green salad.
6. How do I prevent the filling from spilling out?
Be sure to tightly seal the chicken with toothpicks after stuffing to prevent the filling from leaking out while cooking.
7. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the stuffing for an extra kick.
8. Can I make this recipe on the grill?
Yes, you can grill the stuffed chicken. Just make sure to use indirect heat to ensure the chicken cooks through without burning.
9. What if I don’t like spinach?
You can substitute the spinach with kale or another leafy green, or leave it out altogether if you prefer.
10. Can I add more cheese to the filling?
Of course! Feel free to add more cheese for a richer, cheesier stuffing.
Conclusion
These Chorizo Stuffed Chicken Breasts are full of bold flavors and are sure to impress at your next dinner. They’re juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to make. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just to spice up a regular weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Enjoy every bite!
PrintChorizo Stuffed Chicken Breast
Succulent chicken breasts stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spicy chorizo and melted cheese, then wrapped in crispy bacon. This hearty dish combines savory, spicy, and smoky flavors, making it a standout main course for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 25min
- Cook Time: 45min
- Total Time: 1hr10min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the chorizo filling:
– 1 teaspoon olive oil
– 8 ounces fresh chorizo sausage, casings removed
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup canned petite diced tomatoes
– 4 ounces Manchego cheese, shredded
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
For the chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 12 to 16 slices of bacon (depending on the size of the breasts)
– Olive oil, for searing
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. **Prepare the chorizo filling:**
– Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chorizo and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary.
– Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the chorizo. Cook until softened, about 2 minutes.
– Stir in sherry vinegar, cooking until evaporated. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
– Once cooled, mix in cream cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded Manchego cheese, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the chicken breasts:**
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, starting from the thicker side, but not cutting all the way through. Open like a book and pound to an even 1/4-inch thickness between two sheets of plastic wrap.
– Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
3. **Assemble the stuffed chicken breasts:**
– Place a portion of the chorizo filling onto each chicken breast, spreading it evenly.
– Carefully roll up each breast lengthwise, securing the filling inside.
– Wrap each rolled chicken breast with 3-4 slices of bacon, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
4. **Cook the stuffed chicken breasts:**
– Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat.
– Sear the bacon-wrapped chicken on all sides until the bacon is crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
– Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. **Serve:**
– Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
– Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
– For a spicier kick, consider using spicy chorizo or adding chopped jalapeños to the filling.
– Ensure the chicken is securely wrapped with bacon to prevent the filling from leaking out during cooking.
– If using thick-cut bacon, you may need to bake the chicken a bit longer to achieve desired crispiness.
– This dish pairs well with side dishes like mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 714kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 733mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 70g
- Cholesterol: 237mg
