Nettle stuffed chicken is a flavorful and elegant dish that features tender chicken breasts filled with a savory mixture of fresh nettles, herbs, and cheese. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups fresh nettles, stems removed and finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (or cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chopped nettles to the skillet and cook until they are wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked nettles, ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, dried oregano or thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well to create the stuffing.
5. To prepare the chicken, place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin.
6. Season each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Place a generous amount of the nettle stuffing in the center of each breast, then fold the sides over to enclose the filling.
7. Secure the stuffed chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
8. Heat a little olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
10. Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious nettle stuffed chicken!
Aprile's Kitchen 