This savory dish features tender chicken fillets stuffed with a flavorful rice mixture, including vegetables, cheese, and a hint of curry. The stuffed chicken is baked to perfection, resulting in a hearty and delicious meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Paired with a fresh, zesty salad, it’s the perfect balanced meal!
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Chicken:
- 2 chicken fillets
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 200g cheese (cheddar or any cheese of your choice), grated
- 1 red pepper, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for sautéing)
For the Rice Mixture:
- 1 cup rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot, grated
- 1 can green peas, drained
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the Rice Mixture:
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a pan, heat vegetable oil and butter.
- Add onion and garlic, sautéing until soft.
- Stir in grated carrot, green peas, turmeric, and salt.
- Combine with cooked rice, mixing well, then set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Slice a pocket into each chicken fillet.
- In a bowl, combine curry powder, sour cream, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the inside of each chicken fillet with this mixture.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Fill each chicken fillet with the rice mixture.
- Top with grated cheese, then close the fillet securely.
- Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to seal if needed.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sear each stuffed fillet until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a crisp green salad and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Serve with mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes.
- Serve alongside steamed broccoli for a healthy side.
- Top with extra melted cheese and fresh herbs for added flavor.
- Serve with a light vegetable soup as a starter.
Cooking Tips
- Ensure the chicken fillet is pounded evenly to make it easier to stuff.
- You can substitute the rice with quinoa or couscous for a different texture.
- To make the dish even more flavorful, marinate the chicken in the mustard and curry sauce for 30 minutes before stuffing.
- If you prefer a crispy texture, broil the stuffed chicken for an additional 3-5 minutes after baking.
Nutritional Benefits
- Rich in protein from the chicken.
- Contains essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables like carrots, peas, and bell peppers.
- Cheese adds calcium and healthy fats.
- Rice provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.
Dietary Information
- High in protein
- Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and ensuring the mustard and sour cream are gluten-free.
- Rich in healthy fats
- Contains dairy
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 180°C (360°F) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a comforting and filling dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The curry and cheese stuffing makes the chicken incredibly flavorful.
- It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted with different vegetables or grains.
- Baked to perfection, this dish is easy to prepare and requires minimal cleanup.
Conclusion
This Chicken Fillet Stuffed with Rice, Vegetables, and Cheese is a flavorful and hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. It’s simple to prepare, and the combination of tender chicken, cheesy filling, and spiced rice makes for a comforting dish. The fresh salad on the side adds a refreshing contrast, making this a well-rounded, balanced meal. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be substituted, but it may require additional cooking time. - Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the stuffed chicken before baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. - Can I use different vegetables in the rice stuffing?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, peas, corn, or even mushrooms for variety. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and stuff it ahead of time. Refrigerate it and bake just before serving. - Can I use other meats instead of chicken?
Yes, this stuffing works well with turkey breasts or pork fillets. - Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild curry flavor, but you can adjust the spice level by using more or less curry powder. - How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be 165°F (74°C). - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and sour cream alternatives. - How can I add more flavor to the rice stuffing?
Try adding herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil to the rice mixture for extra flavor. - What can I serve this dish with besides salad?
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light soup.