Description
This Melty Blackberry Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken is a savory and slightly sweet dish featuring tender boneless chicken breasts filled with melted mozzarella cheese, spicy jalapenos, and fresh blackberries. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and baked in the oven with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, creating a flavorful and juicy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tsps oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Stuffing
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (very slightly smashed with a fork)
- 4 small jalapeno peppers (sliced, most seeds removed)
- 4 thick slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
Cooking and Garnish
- 2 Tbsps avocado oil (or grass-fed butter, green, unrefined coconut oil, or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup your favorite dry white wine (or chicken bone broth)
- Handful of fresh parsley or basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the chicken is ready to bake.
- Season Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts evenly on all sides with oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper to infuse the meat with robust flavors.
- Create Pockets: Carefully slice each chicken breast lengthwise, stopping before cutting through completely, forming a pocket to hold the filling ingredients securely.
- Stuff Chicken: Evenly fill each chicken pocket with a slice of cheese, jalapeno slices, and a spoonful of the slightly smashed blackberries, distributing flavors evenly.
- Secure Filling: Use toothpicks if necessary to keep the stuffed ingredients inside the chicken breasts while cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for about 4 minutes on each side until each side is a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour the white wine or chicken bone broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits, which add depth to the sauce.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet into the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73.9°C), ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the toothpicks, then sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley or basil over the chicken for a fresh and vibrant finish. Serve hot.
Notes
- Removing most jalapeno seeds reduces heat but keeps the spicy flavor.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness if available.
- Substitute cheese with vegan cheese to make this dish vegetarian-friendly.
- White wine can be replaced by chicken bone broth to avoid alcohol.
- To prevent the chicken from drying, avoid over-baking and ensure to baste with pan juices if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American