Description
This Melty Blackberry Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a delightful combination of savory chicken breasts stuffed with spicy jalapenos, fresh blackberries, and melted mozzarella or provolone cheese. Seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, it creates a juicy, flavorful dish that’s both unique and easy to prepare, perfect for a special weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
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
- 2 Tbsps avocado oil (or grass-fed butter, green unrefined coconut oil, or olive oil)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken bone broth)
- Handful of fresh parsley or basil (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for finishing the chicken after searing.
- Season the chicken: Rub the chicken breasts thoroughly with oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and pepper on all sides to build flavor.
- Create pockets in the chicken: Using a sharp knife, slice each chicken breast lengthwise down the middle but not all the way through to create a large pocket for the stuffing.
- Stuff the chicken: Evenly fill each chicken pocket with a slice of cheese, followed by jalapeno slices, and then spoon in the slightly smashed blackberries for a balance of spicy and sweet.
- Secure the stuffing: Use toothpicks to hold the pockets closed if necessary, ensuring the stuffing stays inside while cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat avocado oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and develop flavor.
- Deglaze the pan: Pour white wine or chicken broth into the skillet to scrape up any browned bits, adding flavor and moisture.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured by a food thermometer.
- Garnish and serve: Once cooked, remove toothpicks, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve warm.
Notes
- Removing most jalapeno seeds reduces the heat for a mild spicy kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet and then transfer to a baking dish before baking.
- Substitute the white wine with chicken bone broth for a non-alcoholic option.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through to avoid any risk of foodborne illness; use a reliable meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes after baking to retain juices before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American