Squash Stuffed Chicken
Sweet zucchini and flavorful herbs are stuffed into tender chicken breasts, baked to perfection for a comforting, cheesy dish that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining.
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/2 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil ⓘ
- 2 medium zucchini, shredded ⓘ
- 3 slices white bread, torn into coarse crumbs ⓘ
- 1 egg ⓘ
- 3/4 cup shredded Swiss cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 4 chicken breast halves with bones and skin ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Saute chopped onion, chopped parsley, and dried basil until the onion is tender.
- Add shredded zucchini and cook for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat; stir in torn bread crumbs, egg, shredded Swiss cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Carefully loosen the skin on each chicken breast to form a pocket.
- Stuff the zucchini mixture into the pockets of each chicken breast.
- Bake at 375°F for 50 to 60 minutes or until the chicken is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavorful twist, consider adding minced garlic or using different herbs like thyme or oregano. If you want a lighter option, substitute the Swiss cheese with mozzarella or feta. To save time, you can use pre-shredded zucchini or even swap in cooked spinach for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Consider serving it alongside a comforting side like Hot Corn Casserole for a delightful contrast. You can also complement it with a light white wine for a refreshing touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the stuffed chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be cautious to avoid drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Squash Stuffed Chicken contains roughly 255 calories, with 14g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2234mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of squash instead of zucchini?
Yes, you can substitute zucchini with yellow squash or even butternut squash for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure you shred it finely to maintain the mixture's consistency.
What can I serve with the stuffed chicken?
This stuffed chicken goes well with a variety of sides. Consider roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or even rice pilaf. For a comforting option, serve it with Golden Potato Casserole for a heartier meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffed chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to cover it tightly. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).