Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken Recipe
This Pear and Gorgonzola Stuffed Chicken is a delicious and elegant dish combining tender chicken breasts with a savory-sweet filling of ripe pears, tangy Gorgonzola cheese, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic. The chicken is first seared to golden perfection, then baked to juicy finish, making it perfect for a special dinner or entertaining guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Filling
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 ripe yet firm pears, diced
- 4 oz Gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar (optional, for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken after searing.
- Prepare Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the diced pears, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chopped spinach, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the stuffing mixture.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully slice open each chicken breast on one side to create a pocket without cutting all the way through. Stuff each pocket evenly with the pear and cheese mixture.
- Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for approximately 4-5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and nicely caramelized.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared stuffed chicken directly to the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and juicy.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving to add a tangy finish.
Notes
- Ensure pears are ripe but firm to avoid a watery filling.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness precisely.
- Substitute Gorgonzola with another blue cheese for variation if desired.
- The dish pairs well with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
- Use an oven-safe skillet, such as cast iron, to easily transfer from stovetop to oven.
Keywords: stuffed chicken, pear stuffed chicken, gorgonzola chicken, baked stuffed chicken, chicken with cheese and fruit
