From Chicken Kiev to Chicken Cordon Blue, and everything in between, stuffed chicken breasts are a delicious and hassle free meal. Though Chicken Kiev and Cordon blue are among my favorite stuffed chicken breasts, the calories and frying are not something I care to indulge in on a regular basis. That’s why lighter stuffed chicken breasts, like the one I’m sharing today, make a fantastic alternative.
Today’s recipe, Chicken Breast Stuffed with Pancetta, Onions and Nuts, comes together so fast and I bet you have all the ingredients in your refrigerator. The stuffing brings together salty pancetta pieces with sweet caramelized onions and crunchy nuts. I used walnuts this time but pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be used. A little more flavour boost is added with some minced garlic, salt and ground black pepper. Really a very simple meal that I know you and your family will love — we do!
On the side I served potato wedges that I spiced with turmeric, granulated garlic and salt. The potatoes were actually left over from the previous night so it was really a matter of only preparing the chicken breasts for this day’s dinner. You of course can serve the chicken with another vegetable of choice. But if you’d like to know how I make my roasted potatoes please read my Spicie Roasted Potatoes recipe.
- 100 gms pancetta*, finely sliced or chopped
- 1 small yellow (brown) onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp finely crushed nuts of choice**
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch of black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
- 2 boneless and skinless chicken breasts
- pinch of salt and black pepper
- extra virgin olive oil
- Heat a little bit of olive oil and saute the onions until soft, browned and caramelized. Add the garlic, pancetta and pepper and cook until pancetta is crispy. Drain off any extra oil, add the crushed nuts and cook another 2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Pound the chicken breasts into an even sized thickness. Rub a bit of salt and pepper on the meat. Add even amounts of the stuffing into the center of each breast, gently tuck and roll the chicken. Heat the oil and once hot add the chicken breasts. Cook on both sides until the juices run clear and the meat feel firm. You may cut into the meat to check for doneness. Serve with your favorite veggie side dishes.
**I used walnuts this time but pecans, almonds, or even pumpkin seeds can be used.
Recipe for potatoes can be found here.
See how simple that was? You’ll only use one pan and dinner can be on the table in around 30 minutes. Enjoy!
P.S.
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A tasty dish! That stuffing is wonderful.
Cheers,
Rosa
Thanks Rosa!
Yum!! This dish has so much flavor!! It gives me ideas for more fun with chicken. :)
That’s great, enjoy experimenting!
It looks delicious.. even your recipes are perfectly presented:)
Thanks so much Monique!:)
The pancetta filling sounds fantastic! Would be great to use it as bun filling too.
Yes, that would be delicious — thanks for the idea Angie.:)
Your chicken looks delicious but it’s the potatoes I’m really craving…. I don’t eat them often, but yours look irresistible!
Thanks Laura, I’m crazy for potatoes and crave them often.:)
What a great recipe! Looks like it has TONS of flavor!
Thank you Ravie, it does have loads of flavour.:)
D’you know, I don’t think I’ve ever stuffed a chicken breast! I may have to remedy that after seeing this recipes, esp as it has no dairy in! Great job Nancy :)
Janie x
Really? Well I do hope you give it a try. Thanks Janie:)
The taco salad I’m having for dinner sounds really dull after this yummy post.
I’m sure your salad was great, thanks Sandra!
This is making me hungry for some right now! I have almost everything I need for this- I used the last of my bacon this morning. Time for a trip to the grocery. :)
I hope you get the bacon and give the chicken a try. Thanks Betty:)
A fantastic recipe I have just put on the menu for tomorrow! You are quite right: I did have everything at home + quite a few of the alternates suggested also! Methinks I may have a ‘permanent file’ recipe here for which thanks!
That’s wonderful, Eha. Do let me know how you like it. Yes this recipe is one of those permanent lifers, it’s so easy to adjust to whatever you have at home. Thank you:)
I want this for dinner ;-). I’m always looking for interesting delicious new recipes for chicken, thanks Nancy ;-) ps. Love the potatoes too!
Thank you Patty!
This sounds amazing! I love stuffed chicken recipes – so flavorful!
Thank you Amanda!:)
This looks like the perfect dinner, I love it!!!
Thank you Consuelo!:)
The stuffing sounds great! I think with chicken I would use almonds :)
Thanks Medeja, and yes the almonds work well too.
Hi Nancy. love this dish… EXCELLENT! The stuffing ingredients look great, very inviting dish. Your pictures is very impressive. 2 thumbs up for you.
Have a wonderful day ahead.
Hi Amelia,
Thank you so much! You too, have a great day:)
That looks delicious and flavorful. I don’t what it is about stuffed chicken, it makes it moist and so gourmet.
You’re right, Ash, and I think it’s all the juices from the stuffing that help. Thanks!
Cannot remember the last time I stuffed anything like this and I assumed it was a long recipe to prepare. You have convinced me otherwise! The stuffing here sounds so good.
It’s so simple you could prepare it half asleep. Thanks Evelyne!
Stuffed chicken breasts are always a good idea, especially with those flavors!
Thank you Alyssa!
This looks Divine! Hmm… the stuffing would be delicious just with a piece of fresh bread.
Cheers,
J+C
Oh, yes that would taste wonderful! Thank you Judit and Cornina:)
Wonderful savory flavors here! Chicken Cordon Bleu is one of my all time favorite elegant, easy entrees – I’ll be trying this nutty pancetta version soon :)
Thank you Priscilla and enjoy the chicken!
Hi Nancy, your chicken looks delicious. There is nothing nicer than stuffed chicken especially when it involves pancetta and nuts. The perfect family meal
Hi Tania! Thank you so much:)
Oh my! What a delicious chicken dish! Absolutely love the stuffing and the whole dish does seem quite easy to make. Thanks!
Thank you MJ!
Stuffed chicken breast is one of my favorite dishes and this recipe looks fantastic! I love your photography and it has inspired me to improve my photos. I’m a regular follower and I look forward to new posts!
Hi Bill, Glad to hear you also love stuffed chicken breasts. Thank you so much, I look forward to checking out your blog.:)