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Sweet-Spicy Blackberry Cheese-Stuffed Chicken

A delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, this cheese-stuffed chicken is perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes or chili paste adjust to taste
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
For the Filling
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or mild cheddar cheese use mild cheese for a creamy melt
  • 1/2 cup blackberry preserves or jam jam with seeds adds texture
  • 1 tablespoon honey
For Garnish
  • to taste Fresh blackberries optional
  • to taste Fresh parsley or thyme optional

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) with an oven rack in the middle.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, honey, chili flakes, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and spreadable.
  3. Carefully cut a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally but not all the way through.
  4. Stuff each pocket with the cheese mixture and press the edges to seal lightly.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken dry so it sears nicely.
  2. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and you see browned edges.
  3. Transfer the breasts to a baking dish and spread blackberry preserves over the top of each breast. Optionally, dot with a little extra honey.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
Serving
  1. Garnish with fresh blackberries and herbs if desired, slice, and serve warm.

Notes

Time-saver: Butterfly and stuff all breasts at once to save time. Avoid overfilling pockets to prevent bursting.