Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Recipe
Delight your taste buds with this Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken recipe! Tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts are generously filled with sweet, juicy diced pears, creamy crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, and fresh chopped spinach, creating a savory-sweet explosion of flavors. Enhanced with aromatic garlic and finished with a golden sear and oven baking, this dish is perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. A drizzle of balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness to elevate the dish to gourmet levels with ease.
- Author: Ella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Filling
- 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking and Finishing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden crust on the chicken.
- Prepare Filling: In a bowl, combine the diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a sweet and savory filling.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully slice each chicken breast on one side to create a pocket. Generously stuff each pocket with the pear and cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if needed.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices. Remove toothpicks if used. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm pears to avoid them turning mushy during cooking.
- Pound chicken breasts if they are very thick to ensure even cooking.
- Swap Gorgonzola with feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme can be added for extra aroma.
- Chopped walnuts can be added to the stuffing for crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) to maintain juiciness.
Keywords: Pear stuffed chicken, Gorgonzola chicken, stuffed chicken breasts, baked chicken recipes, savory chicken dish, easy dinner recipes, chicken with fruit and cheese