Mary berry Stuffed Chicken Breast
Mary berry Stuffed Chicken Breast is a classic dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with a flavorful stuffing, often made with ingredients like herbs, cheese, and sometimes vegetables or bacon. The chicken is typically baked to perfection, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. This recipe showcases Mary Berry’s knack for creating delicious, home-cooked meals that are easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a special occasion. It’s a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying dinner.
Why people also love Mary berry Stuffed Chicken Breast
People love Mary Berry’s Stuffed Chicken Breast because it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures, with the juicy chicken perfectly complementing the rich, flavorful stuffing. The recipe is both approachable and versatile, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Mary Berry’s reputation for creating reliable, comforting dishes also adds to its appeal, as home cooks trust her recipes to deliver consistently great results. This dish is appreciated for its simplicity, elegance, and the way it turns everyday ingredients into something memorable.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 100g soft goat cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 8 thin slices of prosciutto ham
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas mark 6.
- Lay out a sheet of cling film on a work surface and place each chicken breast on it.
- Cover with another sheet of cling film and use a rolling pin to flatten the chicken until it is about half its original thickness.
- Remove the top layer of cling film from each piece of flattened chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix together the goat cheese and thyme leaves, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Spread the goat cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Roll up each chicken breast tightly and wrap 2 slices of prosciutto ham around it to hold its shape.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a roasting tin and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into rounds.
Quick Facts
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: Serves 4
Servings Suggestions:
- Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts brings a warm, earthy complement to the rich chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes offer a comforting, smooth contrast to the stuffed chicken, especially when drizzled with a light gravy or pan sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: These green vegetables add a fresh, crisp element to the plate, balancing the richness of the dish.
- Rice Pilaf: Flavored with herbs and a bit of lemon zest, rice pilaf provides a light, fluffy base that soaks up the juices from the chicken.
- Couscous or Quinoa Salad: A grain-based salad with fresh herbs, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing, tangy touch to the meal.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the savory chicken.
Expert Tips & Tricks:
To make sure your chicken breasts cook evenly and stay moist, pound them to an even thickness before stuffing and rolling them up. This will help them cook evenly.
Nutrition Information:
Each serving of this recipe contains approximately 360 calories, 28g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 27g fat (12g saturated fat).
Presentation:
For presentation, you can slice the stuffed chicken breasts into rounds and arrange them on a platter or individual plates. Add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for extra color and flavor. Serve alongside your chosen sides to create an elegant and delicious meal that is sure to impress your guests!
Variations and substitutions for Mary berry stuffed chicken breast:
- Cheese: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use another soft cheese such as feta or cream cheese instead.
- Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs in the filling. Basil, rosemary or oregano would all work well.
- Ham: Instead of prosciutto ham, you could use bacon or pancetta to wrap around the chicken breasts.
- Vegetarian version: For a vegetarian option, try stuffing the chicken breasts with roasted vegetables like mushrooms and bell peppers instead of cheese.
You can also add other ingredients to the filling such as sun-dried tomatoes, olives or spinach for added flavor.
Recommendations and notices
- Make sure to flatten the chicken breasts evenly so that they cook through at the same rate.
- Use thin slices of prosciutto ham to wrap around the chicken breasts, as thicker slices may not crisp up properly in the oven.
- Let the stuffed chicken breasts rest for a few minutes before slicing into rounds. This will help keep them moist and prevent all of the filling from spilling out when you cut into them.
- You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to approximately 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
FAQ for Mary berry Stuffed Chicken Breast
Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to bake. Just remember to remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring them back up to room temperature.
Yes, but it may take longer to cook through than boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
Roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans pair well with this dish. You could also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf for a complete meal.
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to approximately 3 months. To cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
You could use any soft cheese that melts well such as brie or camembert. Alternatively, you could try using shredded mozzarella or cheddar mixed with some herbs for added flavor.
Conclusion
Mary Berry’s stuffed chicken breast is an easy yet impressive dish that is perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The creamy goat cheese filling adds flavor and moisture to the tender chicken, while the crispy prosciutto gives it a satisfying crunch. Serve with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a complete meal!
