Elevate your weeknight dinner with these irresistible Chicken Breasts Stuffed with Basil Walnut Butter—an elegant yet surprisingly simple recipe that combines rich, herby flavors with irresistible crunch. Juicy chicken breasts are delicately filled with a luscious mixture of softened butter, freshly chopped basil, finely chopped walnuts, and a hint of garlic, creating a savory, aromatic filling that melts in your mouth. Gently browned in a skillet and then baked to perfection, these golden-brown chicken breasts deliver the perfect balance of tender meat and creamy, nutty filling. Finished with a pinch of paprika for a subtle pop of color, this dish is a showstopping centerpiece ideal for entertaining or delighting the family. Pair with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for an unforgettable meal packed with flavor and sophistication!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, chopped basil, walnuts, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set the basil walnut butter aside.
Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing horizontally along one side without cutting all the way through.
Divide the basil walnut butter mixture into four equal portions. Stuff each portion inside the pocket of a chicken breast, then secure the opening with toothpicks or kitchen twine to prevent the filling from leaking.
Season the outside of each chicken breast with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In an ovenproof skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks or twine.
Optionally, sprinkle paprika over the chicken for added color and serve warm with your favorite side dishes.
Calories |
1960 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 114.3 g | 147% | |
| Saturated Fat | 41.7 g | 208% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 696 mg | 232% | |
| Sodium | 2880 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 6.5 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.8 g | ||
| Protein | 218.3 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 123 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 186 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.