Sun-Dried Tomato and Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breast

Tonight’s dinner was a great way to use up a few ingredients I had on hand. With mushrooms, shredded mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, I made a flavorful stuffing for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I served the stuffed chicken with pasta, oven-roasted asparagus and a baby arugula salad for a balanced and satisfying meal.

Mushroom & Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Original Joelen recipe
Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1–2 fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Garlic salt to taste
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for coating

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place each chicken breast between sheets of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin until about 1/4–1/2 inch thick to make them easier to stuff.
3. In a small bowl, mix the chopped basil, mushrooms, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper and a sprinkle of garlic salt to taste.
4. Divide the mixture and place half on each flattened chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Roll each stuffed breast in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
6. Place the prepared breasts on a baking sheet and bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear.

Weight Watchers Point Value: 5 points per serving

The recipe is simple, flexible and easy to adapt. If you prefer, substitute different cheeses—parmesan or fontina work well—or swap the mushroom for spinach or roasted peppers. Serving suggestions include a side of whole-grain pasta tossed with a light olive oil and garlic dressing, roasted asparagus, or a crisp baby arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil.

I entered this recipe in a herb-themed cooking event because the basil I used came from my Aerogarden. Fresh herbs brighten the filling and add a fragrant finish. Experiment with different herb and cheese combinations to find your favorite variation.