Sireki Stuffed Chicken Breast

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1lb) 4 chicken breasts (about 500g / 1.1lb)
• 200g (7oz) Sireki cheese, crumbled 200g (7oz) Sireki cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 1g, 0g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 0g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the Sireki cheese, chopped parsley, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. 3.
   Make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket for the filling.
4. 4.
   Stuff each chicken breast with the Sireki cheese mixture, pressing it gently to ensure it is evenly distributed.
5. 5.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
6. 6.
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
7. 7.
   Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. 8.
   Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
10. 10.
    Serve the Sireki Stuffed Chicken Breast with your choice of side dishes and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sireki cheese — Make sure to crumble the cheese before mixing it with the other ingredients to ensure even distribution throughout the chicken breasts.

Tips & Tricks

• If you can't find Sireki cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or another tangy, crumbly cheese.
• For an extra burst of flavor, add some diced sun-dried tomatoes to the cheese filling.
• To ensure the chicken breasts cook evenly, make sure they are of similar thickness. If necessary, pound them gently with a meat mallet to even them out.
• Serve the Sireki Stuffed Chicken Breast with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated the next day.

Serving advice

Serve the Sireki Stuffed Chicken Breast hot, accompanied by a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, slice the stuffed chicken breasts diagonally and fan them out on the plate. Drizzle a bit of olive oil or melted butter over the top and sprinkle with paprika for an attractive finishing touch.