Blackberry Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken (Print View)
Chicken breasts filled with blackberry, goat cheese, and jalapeno, baked until golden and melty.
# Ingredient List:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - Salt and pepper to taste
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Stuffing Mixture
04 - 4 oz goat cheese, softened
05 - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries, halved or roughly chopped
06 - 1 fresh jalapeño, seeds removed, finely diced
07 - 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
08 - 1 teaspoon honey
→ Baking
09 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
# How to Make:
01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
02 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket lengthwise into each breast without cutting all the way through. Season inside and out with salt and pepper.
03 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened goat cheese, halved blackberries, finely diced jalapeño, chopped basil, and honey. Gently fold together until well incorporated.
04 - Spoon the blackberry-jalapeño mixture into each chicken breast pocket, dividing evenly. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to keep the filling inside.
05 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
06 - Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Top each breast with shredded mozzarella and drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
07 - Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
08 - Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before carefully removing the toothpicks. Serve warm, garnished with additional fresh basil if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sweetness of blackberries and the kick of jalapeno create this sweet heat combo that makes people ask what your secret is.
- It looks like something from a fancy restaurant but comes together with basic tools and about fifty minutes of your evening.
02 -
- Do not rush the pocket cutting step because cutting all the way through means your filling escapes and you end up with a mess instead of a stuffing.
- Letting the goat cheese soften fully before mixing is the difference between a creamy filling and a lumpy one with bruised berries.
03 -
- Use the handle of a wooden spoon to test if your oil is hot enough for searing and if it sizzles around the wood you are ready to go.
- Press the mozzarella down gently onto the chicken before baking so it melts evenly instead of sliding off during cooking.