Servings: 8 Servings
Calories: 187kcal
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup green peppers chopped
- 1 celery stalk finely chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 cup white onions chopped
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 oz andouille sausage diced
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Breasts
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Place each chicken breast on a cutting board and carefully make a horizontal incision along one side, creating a pocket for the stuffing. Be sure not to cut all the way through the other side.
- Season the inside and outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. Set aside for now.
Step 2: Preparing the Stuffing
- Heat a tablespoon of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped green peppers, white onions, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the diced andouille sausage and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Once cooled, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Cajun seasoning. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Stuffing the Chicken Breasts
- Take a spoonful of the cooled stuffing mixture and carefully stuff it inside the pocket of each chicken breast. Press the edges of the chicken breasts together to seal the stuffing inside.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to ensure the stuffing does not escape during cooking.
- Repeat the process with the remaining chicken breasts and stuffing mixture.
Step 4: Baking the Cajun Stuffed Chicken
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a greased baking dish or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
To ensure your Cajun stuffed chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips and tricks:
1. Pound the chicken breasts: If your chicken breasts are thick, consider pounding them slightly with a meat mallet to create an even thickness. This will help the chicken cook more evenly and result in a tender texture.
2. Adjust the Cajun seasoning: Cajun seasoning can vary in spiciness, so it’s a good idea to adjust the amount according to your personal preference. Start with 2 teaspoons and add more if desired.
3. Use toothpicks to secure the stuffing: Toothpicks are essential for keeping the stuffing inside the chicken breasts. Make sure to remove them before serving to avoid any accidents.
4. Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooking chicken breasts can result in dry and tough meat. Keep a close eye on the cooking time to prevent this. If unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
5. Let it rest: Allow the stuffed chicken breasts to rest for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy final dish.
Nutrition
Calories: 187kcal
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