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Easy Stuffed Chicken Breast with Cheese and Olives

This delightful stuffed chicken dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy cheese filling, studded with tangy olives and aromatic herbs. Wrapped in thin ham for extra flavor, this recipe delivers an impressive meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare. Perfect for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for special occasions, this dish offers a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will please both family and guests alike.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine French, International
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • Large cutting board
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Mixing bowl
  • Oven-safe baking dish (9x13 inch / 23x33 cm)
  • Meat thermometer

Ingredients
  

Protein

  • 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each) [170-225g each]
  • 4 slices Thin ham (about 2 oz total) [60g]

Dairy

  • 7 oz Cream cheese or goat cheese softened [200g]

Produce

  • 1/2 cup Pitted green olives chopped (2.5 oz) [70g]
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh herbs (parsley, basil, or oregano) chopped, OR 2 teaspoons dried mixed herbs

Baking & Spices

  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika [1.25 ml]
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt [1.25 ml]
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper [1.25 ml]

Oils & Vinegars

  • 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil or olive oil [30 ml]

Instructions
 

Prepare the Filling

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese (or goat cheese), chopped green olives, chopped fresh herbs (or dried herbs), paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until evenly combined.

Prepare the Chicken

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place each chicken breast on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
  • Divide the cheese mixture evenly among the four chicken breasts, stuffing it into the pockets you've created.
  • Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of ham, ensuring the opening is sealed.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Carefully place the wrapped chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the ham is lightly golden.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
  • Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serve

  • Slice each stuffed chicken breast diagonally and arrange on plates. Serve immediately with a side salad or your choice of vegetables.
Keyword Cheese Stuffed, Easy Dinner, Ham Wrapped, Stuffed Chicken, Weeknight Meal