Imagine cutting into a perfectly golden, crispy phyllo pastry to reveal a juicy chicken breast oozing with creamy, tangy cheese - this isn't just a meal, it's a gourmet adventure waiting to happen! Our Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Phyllo transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mediterranean feast that will have your family and guests begging for seconds. With a delicate balance of textures and flavors, this recipe promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 50 minutes.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 4 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Phyllo bakes evenly and thoroughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring it is well-flavored.
- Take each chicken breast and carefully slice a pocket into the side. Be sure not to cut all the way through; you want to create a space to hold the cheese filling.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the cheese mixture, using a spoon to pack it in gently. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed within the pocket.
- Once all the chicken breasts are stuffed, lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface. Brush the entire sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush. This will help the layers crisp up beautifully during baking.
- Place a second sheet of phyllo dough on top of the first and repeat the brushing with melted butter. You can layer up to four sheets for extra crispiness, brushing each one with butter as you go.
- Carefully place one stuffed chicken breast in the center of the layered phyllo dough. Fold the edges of the phyllo over the chicken, creating a neat package. Brush the top with additional melted butter to ensure it browns nicely.
- Repeat the phyllo layering and stuffing process for the remaining chicken breasts.
- Arrange the wrapped chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy, and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will help retain the juices and flavors.
- Serve the Cheese Stuffed Chicken in Phyllo warm, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while working to prevent drying out
- Use room temperature butter for smoother brushing and better pastry adherence
- Work quickly and gently when handling phyllo sheets to avoid tearing
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like oregano or thyme to the cheese mixture
- Ensure chicken is completely sealed in phyllo to prevent filling from leaking
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F
- Let the dish rest for 3-5 minutes after baking to allow flavors to settle and juices to redistribute
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 711kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 245mg
