Chicken breast stuffed with peppers and cheese, served with roasted vegetables.

Chicken breast stuffed with peppers and cheese, served with a side of baked vegetables

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Welcome to the world of culinary delights! Today I present a recipe that will transform a simple everyday meal into an unforgettable gastronomic experience: chicken breast stuffed with peppers and cheese, served with a colorful side of baked vegetables. This combination is not only tasty but also healthy, full of nutrients and aromatic thanks to the spices that envelop it. Let’s begin our culinary adventure!

A brief history of the recipe

Stuffing chicken meat with vegetables and cheese is an ancient practice found in many culinary cultures. This method not only enhances the flavor of the meat but also helps retain its juiciness and aromas. The idea of combining chicken with peppers and cheese is inspired by fertile gastronomic traditions, where fresh and flavorful ingredients are the order of the day. And with a popular spice like za'atar, you will achieve an explosion of flavors that will delight even the most discerning palates.

Necessary ingredients

- 3 chicken breasts (approximately 600 g)
- 4 large potatoes
- 50 g sliced cheese
- 3 peppers: red, green, and yellow
- 2 medium-sized tomatoes
- 200 g broccoli
- 100 g green olives
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons of za'atar (an aromatic spice)
- Chicken seasoning (all spice, cloves, coriander, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, bay leaves)
- Virgin olive oil
- 1 cup of water
- 1 chicken Maggi cube

Step by step: Preparing the stuffed chicken breast

1. Preparing the ingredients
We start by washing the chicken breasts well under a stream of cold water. Dry them with a paper towel, then season them with salt, pepper, and chicken seasoning. These flavors will penetrate the meat, giving it a savory taste.

2. Preparing the stuffing
Cut the peppers into thin strips (julienne) and heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan. Add the peppers, a pinch of salt, freshly ground pepper, and za'atar. Let them sauté for 3-4 minutes until they become slightly soft but still retain their crunchiness.

3. Stuffing the chicken breast
Make a horizontal cut in each chicken breast, forming a pocket. Fill it with the pepper mixture and a few slices of cheese. Close the cut with the help of kitchen toothpicks, ensuring that the stuffing does not leak during baking.

4. Preparing the vegetable side
Peel the potatoes and cut them into medium-sized pieces. Break the broccoli into smaller florets and slice the tomatoes into rounds. In a large bowl, mix all the vegetables with the olives and the remaining peppers, adding salt, pepper, and olive oil.

5. Assembling the dish
Place the stuffed breasts in a Pyrex dish. Distribute the vegetables around the chicken breasts. In a cup of hot water, dissolve the Maggi cube and pour it over the vegetables. This will add extra flavor and moisture.

6. Baking
Drizzle the chicken breasts with a little olive oil and sprinkle za'atar on top for aromatic flavor. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven at 220°C. Let it bake for 40 minutes.

7. Finalizing
After 40 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and leave the dish in the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the chicken breasts are golden and appetizing, and the potatoes are well cooked.

Serving and suggestions

This recipe is served hot, alongside assorted pickles that will add a pleasant and fresh contrast. A green salad with lemon and olive oil can perfectly complement the meal. Additionally, a bottle of dry white wine would be the ideal accompaniment for this dish.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is an excellent source of protein due to the chicken breast, and the vegetables provide important contributions of vitamins and minerals. Broccoli, for example, is rich in vitamin C and fiber, while peppers are full of antioxidants. Additionally, virgin olive oil brings healthy fats that are beneficial for the heart.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can replace the chicken breast with turkey meat or even fish, adjusting the baking time according to the type of meat chosen.

2. What other vegetables can I use?
You can also add carrots, zucchini, or eggplant, depending on your preferences. These will bring variety and pleasant colors to the dish.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for a vegetarian diet?
You can replace the meat with tofu or seitan, and the stuffing can be extended with sautéed mushrooms and feta cheese for a delicious taste.

4. What is the secret to having juicy chicken breast?
Make sure not to overbake the chicken. Using aluminum foil at the beginning helps retain moisture, and checking the internal temperature of the meat (it should be around 75°C) will guarantee a perfect result.

Personalized variant

To add a special touch, try adding a few black olives or even a splash of pesto to the chicken stuffing. This will provide a unique flavor and transform the dish into a real delicacy.

Enjoy your meal and happy cooking! Whether you prepare this dish for a special occasion or for a family dinner, we are sure it will quickly become a favorite. Don’t forget to experiment and put your personal touch on the recipe!