Bruschetta Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Originally from Kraft Food and Family Magazine

1 can (14 1/2 oz) Italian style diced tomatoes, undrained

1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

1 pkg (6 oz) stuffing mix for chicken

8 small boneless chicken breast halves (approx. 2 lbs)

1/3 cup Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan dressing

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare stuffing:  combine tomatoes and their liquid, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, basil, and dry stuffing mix.  Stir until just moistened.

Place two chicken breasts in a large, heavy, resealable bag.  Pound the chicken with the side of a heavy can, rolling pin, or meat mallet until it is 1/4 inch thick.  Repeat process with remaining chicken breasts, two at a time.

Place pounded chicken breast, smooth-side down, on a cutting board.  Spread with 1/8 of the stuffing mixture. 

Roll chicken breast, starting at the narrow end, as tightly as possible around stuffing mix.

Place in 13x9 baking dish with seam side down, as this allows the chicken to hold together nicely.  Pour dressing evenly over chicken and bake for 40 minutes.

Spring with remaining 3/4 cup cheese and bake 5-10 minutes longer, or until cheese is melted and chicken has an internal temperature of 170 degrees.

Thoughts and Tips:

I used an Italian blend of cheeses instead of just Mozzarella.  The combination of Parmesan, Romano, and Asiago with the Mozzarella gave this a nice smoky flavor.

Kraft is the only one who makes the Roasted Red Pepper Italian.  You can definitely substitute a regular or zesty Italian dressing instead.

If you don't have fresh basil, substitute 2 Tbs dried.

You can buy thin sliced chicken breasts instead of pounding them.  I find this MUCH easier.

I found the easiest way to stuff the chicken is to lay it flat and spoon a little stuffing on, roll the breasts, then stuff a little more in the ends.

I really liked this chicken.  My husband, being not so fond of tomatoes, didn't like it quite as well.  Emily ate the chicken and picked out the stuffing.  Abigail ate the stuffing and left the chicken.  So not quite a family winner, but we'll be eating it again anyway because I liked it!