Photo by Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post
A four-ingredient stuffing adds punchy antipasto flavors and oozy, melted-cheese appeal to chicken breasts which are cooked in a skillet, then served over greens and drizzled with a fast, flavorful, warm pan sauce. It’s a quick, easy and healthful upgrade from basic chicken and greens.
Choose chicken breast halves that are about the same size, for ease of cooking.
Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (1 3/4 pounds total, not thin-cut; without tenderloins)
1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red pepper
2 tablespoons pitted, chopped green olives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves (may substitute 1 teaspoon dried basil)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup no-salt-added chicken broth
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
4 cups baby arugula leaves
Directions
Cut a 3-inch long pocket into the thick side of each chicken breast (without cutting all the way through to the other side).
Combine the cheese, roasted red pepper, olives and basil in a medium bowl, to form the filling. Stuff some into the pocket of each chicken breast, using all of it. Season the outside of the chicken with 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until the cheese has melted, then transfer to a plate. The chicken should be cooked through.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Once it’s hot, add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds, then pour in the broth. Once the liquid begins to bubble at the edges, stir to dissolve any browned bits in the pan. Add the vinegar and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon each salt and pepper, stirring to incorporate.
To serve, divide the arugula among individual plates. Top each portion with a stuffed chicken breast, then drizzle with the pan juices. Serve warm.
Makes 4 Servings
Per serving: Calories 360; Total Fat 15g; (Sat Fat 4g); Protein 49g; Carb 2g; Fiber 0g; Cholesterol 150mg; Sodium 400mg; Total Sugar 1g
