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Herb-Stuffed Chicken Breasts

This dish features chicken breasts carefully sliced open and filled with fresh herbs, then seared to golden perfection. The key techniques involve slicing, pounding to an even thickness, marinating, and pan-searing, resulting in juicy, flavorful chicken with a vibrant herb filling and a crisp exterior.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless and skinless
  • 1 lemon lemon zest and juice zest before juicing
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari/coconut aminos
  • a handful fresh herbs parsley, thyme, or basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil good quality, fruity
  • to taste salt and pepper season generously

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Meat thermometer
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket without cutting all the way through, so it can be stuffed with herbs.
  2. Pound each chicken breast to an even thickness of about 1.5 cm (half an inch) using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures uniform cooking and juiciness.
  3. Mix lemon zest, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Marinate the chicken breasts in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the meat.
  4. Heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat until hot, then add the olive oil, swirling to coat the surface.
  5. Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot pan, searing for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip carefully with tongs.
  6. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, checking that the chicken develops a nice crust and is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
  7. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the pan and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices locked in, ensuring each bite is tender and juicy.
  8. Open each chicken pocket carefully and stuff with chopped fresh herbs, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
  9. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stuffed chicken for a bright, tangy finish, then serve immediately.
  10. Slice the chicken crosswise and arrange on plates, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy the juicy, herb-filled bites!