Chicken wallets stuffed with mushrooms and vegetables

Stuffed Chicken Pockets with Mushrooms and Vegetables – A Light and Delicious Dinner

Are you looking for a recipe that is not only easy to prepare but also healthy and full of flavor? Stuffed chicken pockets with mushrooms and vegetables are the perfect choice! This recipe will not only delight your taste buds but also add a touch of elegance to your table without much hassle.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients
- 3 pieces of chicken breast (approximately 600g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 carrot
- 1 bell pepper (any color you prefer)
- 1 potato
- 1 egg
- 1 can of mushrooms (250g, preferably champignon)
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil (extra virgin, for a more intense flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of chicken seasoning (salt, pepper, oregano, thyme)
- 1 bunch of fresh parsley (for decoration and flavor)

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
1. Start by washing the chicken breast well and drying it with a paper towel. Cut each piece of breast in half horizontally, but not completely, to form a pocket where you will add the filling.
2. In a small bowl, crush the 4 cloves of garlic and mix them with the olive oil and chicken seasoning. Use a whisk to emulsify the mixture – this way, the flavors will combine better.
3. Rub each piece of chicken breast with this mixture, ensuring it gets well into the pocket created. Cover them with plastic wrap and let them marinate in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Preparing the Filling
1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the filling. Peel and finely chop the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and potato. If you wish, you can use a food processor to save time.
2. Drain the canned mushrooms and chop them finely.
3. In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and, once heated, add the chopped vegetables. Cover with a lid and let them sweat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add a little water if necessary to prevent sticking.
4. After the vegetables have softened, add salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano to taste. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.

Step 3: Assembling the Pockets
1. Once the filling has cooled, add the egg and mix well.
2. Fill each piece of chicken breast with the vegetable and mushroom mixture. You can use a spoon or even your hands to ensure the filling is well distributed.
3. Wrap each piece of chicken in aluminum foil, ensuring they are well sealed. This will help retain the juices during baking.
4. Place the pockets in a baking dish and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 40 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing the Dish
1. After 40 minutes, remove the pockets from the foil and place them back in the dish. Leave them in the oven, uncovered, for another 10 minutes to brown slightly.
2. In the meantime, you can prepare a simple mashed potato as a side. Boil the potatoes, mash them, and mix with butter and milk for a creamy mash.

Serving
Place the chicken pockets on plates alongside the mashed potatoes. You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a more appealing look. If desired, you can also add a few slices of lemon for an extra touch of freshness.

Tips and Tricks
- Variations of the filling: You can add mozzarella or feta cheese to the filling for a richer taste. Other vegetables, such as zucchini or spinach, are also excellent.
- Searing: If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can sear the pockets in a non-stick skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side before baking.
- Enhancing flavor: Add a little soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the filling for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This recipe is balanced, rich in protein from the chicken breast and fiber from the vegetables. Chicken meat is an excellent source of lean protein, while mushrooms add an umami note, and the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to a healthy diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey meat or even fish fillets to create a lighter version of this dish.

2. How can I store leftovers?
Keep the leftover pockets in an airtight container in the fridge, where they can last up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven or microwave.

3. What drinks can I serve alongside this dish?
A green salad alongside a dry white wine or herbal tea would be excellent combinations. You can also try lemon juice with sparkling water for a refreshing serving.

Keywords
These chicken pockets are a simple, healthy recipe ideal for a quick dinner. Perfect to be served with mashed potatoes or even a fresh salad, they are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a tasty and nutritious meal.

I encourage you to try this recipe and personalize your chicken pockets to your taste! Each bite will be an explosion of flavors, and your meals will surely become more delicious! Bon appétit!