Blackberry Jalapeno Stuffed Chicken (Print Page)
Cream cheese, blackberry, and jalapeno stuffed chicken breasts baked until golden, melty, and irresistibly tender.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken & Filling
01 - 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - ½ cup fresh blackberries, slightly mashed
04 - 1 medium jalapeño, finely diced (seeds removed for milder heat)
05 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1 garlic clove, minced
07 - ½ tsp salt
08 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
→ Seasoning & Baking
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil
10 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
11 - ½ tsp dried thyme
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a baking dish or line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mashed blackberries, diced jalapeño, mozzarella, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
03 - Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest part of each breast, stopping before cutting all the way through.
04 - Gently fill each chicken breast pocket with the blackberry-jalapeño cheese mixture, distributing evenly. Secure the openings with toothpicks if needed to hold the filling in place.
05 - Brush both sides of each stuffed chicken breast with olive oil. Season evenly with smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
06 - Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the filling is bubbly and melted.
07 - Remove from the oven and let rest for 3 to 5 minutes before serving. Remove any toothpicks and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sweet and spicy combination is completely addictive once you try it.
- It looks incredibly impressive but the technique is surprisingly straightforward.
02 -
- Do not skip the toothpicks because the filling will escape and you will lose all that beautiful melty center.
- Letting the cream cheese fully soften before mixing prevents lumpy uneven filling that refuses to stay put.
03 -
- Use slightly underripe blackberries because they hold their shape better and provide a tartness that balances the cream cheese.
- Broil the chicken for the last two minutes for a gorgeous golden top that makes it look restaurant worthy.