Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken recipe offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors. Tender chicken breasts are filled with a creamy mixture of pears, Gorgonzola cheese, and spinach, then seared and baked to perfection. It’s an elegant yet easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 ripe yet firm pears, diced
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Slice open each chicken breast on one side to create a pocket and stuff them with the pear mixture.
4. Step 4: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
5. Step 5: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6. Step 6: Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use firm pears to prevent the filling from becoming too soft while cooking.
• Spinach can be sautéed lightly before mixing to reduce excess moisture.
• For a milder cheese option, substitute Gorgonzola with blue cheese or feta.
• Add chopped walnuts to the filling for extra crunch and flavor.
• If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular pan, then transfer to a baking dish.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave carefully to avoid drying out the chicken.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. Just wait to sear and bake until ready to cook.

What can I serve with this dish?

This chicken pairs well with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 104 reviews

Delightfully savory and sweet, this Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken recipe features juicy chicken breasts filled with a luscious mixture of ripe pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach, and garlic. Seared to golden perfection and then baked, it’s an elegant dish perfect for a special dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Stuffing Ingredients

• 2 ripe yet firm pears, diced
• 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Main Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Balsamic vinegar (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts after searing.
2. Prepare Stuffing: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Create Chicken Pockets: Carefully slice open each chicken breast on one side to form a pocket, ensuring not to cut all the way through, creating space to hold the stuffing.
4. Stuff Chicken: Fill each chicken breast pocket generously with the pear and Gorgonzola mixture, pressing lightly to keep the filling secure inside the chicken.
5. Sear Chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until they turn golden brown, creating a flavorful crust.
6. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked through.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired for an added touch of sweetness and tang before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pockets are not cut too deep to prevent stuffing from leaking out during cooking.
• Use firm but ripe pears for the best texture and flavor balance.
• Optionally, you can secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to hold the filling in place during searing and baking.
• Allow the chicken to rest after baking to keep it juicy and tender.
• Balsamic vinegar is optional but adds a beautiful acidity that complements the sweetness of the pears and the richness of the cheese.

Keywords: Pear stuffed chicken, Gorgonzola chicken breast, spinach and pear chicken, baked stuffed chicken, savory stuffed chicken recipe