Description
Chicken breasts stuffed with garlic butter, pan-seared and baked until golden and tender.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 ounces each)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: Paprika for dusting
- Optional: Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Garlic Butter: In a medium bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly distributed. Chill for 15-20 minutes (optional).
- Prepare Chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap or in a resealable plastic bag. Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This helps them cook more evenly and makes them easier to stuff. If your chicken breasts are already relatively thin, you can skip this step.
- Create Pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit into the side of each chicken breast, creating a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through you want to create a pouch, not two separate pieces.
- Season Chicken: Lightly season the outside of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the garlic butter mixture (about 2-3 tablespoons per breast). Secure pockets with toothpicks if desired.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Bake Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Broil (Optional): After baking, turn on the broiler. Place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the chicken is nicely browned. Watch it carefully, as it can burn quickly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs or chopped parsley. Serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Pounding the chicken breasts helps them cook more evenly.
- Chilling the garlic butter makes it easier to handle.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Be careful not to overstuff the chicken breasts.
- Remove toothpicks before serving.
- Broiling adds extra color and crispness, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes