This Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken features juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy feta, cherry tomatoes, and basil, topped with a crispy panko crust. Perfect for a flavorful, elegant dinner.
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Prepare the Filling:
In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and chopped fresh basil. Carefully fold in the diced cherry tomatoes. Season the filling with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor without excessive stirring to avoid discoloring the mixture.
Butterfly the Chicken Breasts:
Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast horizontally to create a “butterfly” cut, being cautious not to cut entirely through the chicken. Open each breast and gently flatten with a rolling pin or meat mallet until it is of even thickness.
Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Place half of the prepared feta mixture onto one side of each opened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly to enclose the filling, securing the edges with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during baking.
Prepare for Baking:
Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Brush each breast with olive oil to help adhere the breadcrumb topping and enhance browning. Evenly sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over each chicken breast.
Bake the Chicken:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the breadcrumbs are golden.
Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve warm to enjoy the flavorful, creamy filling and the crispy breadcrumb topping.
Notes
To make this Tomato and Feta Stuffed Chicken gluten-free, substitute the panko bread crumbs with a gluten-free breadcrumb alternative.