Experience the rich and indulgent flavors of Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts, a gourmet dish that’s perfect for special occasions or a fancy dinner at home. This elegant recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a savory crab filling, creating a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Filling:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until the ingredients are well combined, taking care not to break up the crab meat too much. Set the filling aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
Using a sharp knife, cut a horizontal slit along the thickest side of each chicken breast to create a pocket. Be careful not to cut all the way through the breast. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper both inside the pocket and on the outside.
3. Stuff the Chicken Breasts:
Carefully spoon the crab mixture into the pocket of each chicken breast, filling them evenly. Use toothpicks to secure the edges of the chicken breasts if necessary, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
4. Sear the Chicken:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. This step helps to lock in the juices and adds a beautiful color to the chicken.
5. Prepare the Sauce:
Once the chicken breasts are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, white wine (if using), and butter. Stir and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
6. Bake:
Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
7. Serve:
Remove the chicken breasts from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, ensuring it remains moist. Serve the crab-stuffed chicken breasts with the pan sauce drizzled over the top, and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Other Details:
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Calorie Count per serving: 450 kcal
Serving Size: 4 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips
Accompaniments: Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts pair beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light salad. The richness of the chicken is balanced by the freshness of these sides.
Garnishing: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness to the dish. For a touch of elegance, you can also add a slice of lemon on the side.
Portioning: Serve each chicken breast whole or sliced into thick medallions to showcase the crab filling. A generous drizzle of the pan sauce over the top will enhance the presentation and flavor.
Temperature: This dish is best served hot. Make sure the chicken is heated through before serving to ensure that the filling is warm and the flavors are fully developed.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To prevent the chicken from drying out, pour a little of the pan sauce over the chicken before storing.
Freezing: Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts can be frozen for up to 2 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze individual portions.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. The microwave can also be used, but the oven will better preserve the texture of the chicken and filling.
Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the chicken, as this can dry out the meat. Ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Variations:
1. Mediterranean-Style Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Additions: Incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1 teaspoon of oregano into the crab mixture.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with a side of Greek salad and lemony orzo for a Mediterranean twist.
2. Cajun-Style Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Additions: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the crab mixture and 1/4 cup of diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with dirty rice and sautéed greens for a spicy Southern-inspired meal.
3. Herb and Garlic Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts
Additions: Mix in 1 tablespoon of minced garlic and 1/4 cup of fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and basil into the crab filling.
Serving Suggestion: Serve with roasted garlic potatoes and steamed asparagus for a fragrant and flavorful dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab meat?
Yes, imitation crab can be used as a more affordable alternative. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste.
Can I prepare Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken breasts up to the point of baking and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours. When ready to serve, simply bake according to the instructions.
Can I substitute other types of cheese in the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Gruyère, Asiago, or mozzarella. Each cheese will bring a unique flavor to the dish.
Crab-Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a versatile and elegant dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Whether you follow the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is a delightful way to elevate your dinner menu. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and the compliments that are sure to follow!