New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe: Discovering new recipes is always exciting, and one that truly captivated me is the New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast. The combination of tender chicken, rich camembert cheese, and the aromatic essence of garlic makes this dish a notable highlight.
This recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but is also surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
As someone who enjoys experimenting with flavors, I find that the addition of fresh basil enhances the overall experience, adding a delightful freshness that complements the creamy camembert.
The method of stuffing the chicken creates a beautiful presentation and ensures every bite is filled with flavor. If you’re looking for a meal that impresses without requiring hours in the kitchen, this dish might just become your new favorite.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting friends and family, this New Zealand-inspired recipe promises to bring warmth and a touch of elegance to your table. Join me as I walk you through the steps to create this deliciously baked chicken that is sure to leave everyone wanting more.
Ingredients List
To create a delightful New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast, I’ll focus on a selection of key ingredients that elevate the dish. These components include the chicken, coating, and flavorful additions that make each bite delicious.
Key Ingredients
- Camembert Cheese: The star of the dish, Camembert offers a creamy texture and rich flavor. I prefer using a double-cream variety for a luscious filling. It melts beautifully, adding a luxurious touch to the chicken.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is essential. Its robust flavor complements the cheese and adds a fragrant aroma to the dish.
- Basil: Chopped fresh basil brings an herbaceous note. I like to use 1-2 tablespoons for a burst of flavor that brightens the creamy cheese.
These ingredients truly form the heart of this recipe and create a wonderful balance of flavors.
Chicken and Coating
For the chicken, I use boneless skinless chicken breast fillets. They provide a lean protein base that’s perfect for stuffing.
Each fillet is pounded to create an even pocket for the luscious filling.
To coat the chicken, I combine panko breadcrumbs with some seasoning. The panko gives a delightful crunch and holds up well during baking. I might add sesame seeds for extra texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
The coating is crucial for both taste and presentation, ensuring a golden and crispy exterior.
Additional Flavors
To enhance the dish, I often incorporate wholegrain mustard. Just a teaspoon adds depth and a bit of tanginess that pairs well with the richness of the Camembert.
A splash of white wine can also be a delightful addition. It contributes acidity and complexity to the overall flavor profile.
Lastly, I like to finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. This adds brightness and cuts through the richness, creating a perfectly balanced dish.
With these ingredients, I can create a mouthwatering meal that is sure to impress.
Preparation Steps
In this section, I’ll go through each key step in preparing the New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast, ensuring everything is clear and easy to follow.
Preparing the Chicken
First, I take boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually choose about 4 pieces, ensuring they’re roughly the same size for even cooking.
Next, I slice each breast horizontally to create pockets. This makes it easy to stuff them later.
I recommend using a meat mallet to gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This not only helps with cooking but also enhances the flavor absorption.
Once done, I season the chicken with salt and pepper. Spraying the baking tray with cooking oil ensures that nothing sticks during baking.
Filling and Wrapping
For the filling, I use fresh basil leaves, ensuring they’re chopped finely. I combine them with butter to create a flavorful spread.
The next step is adding New Zealand Camembert cheese into the mixture. This cheese melts beautifully, making it perfect for stuffing.
Once the filling is ready, I carefully place a spoonful into each chicken pocket.
Afterward, I lay a slice of prosciutto over the filled chicken. This not only adds flavor but also helps to seal the pockets.
Finally, I wrap the chicken in filo pastry to create a crispy outer layer when baked.
Assembling for Baking
I preheat my oven to 180°C (350°F) before assembling the dish.
For the final assembly, I lay the wrapped chicken on the prepared baking tray. I brush the tops with melted butter for a beautiful golden finish.
Then, I carefully place the tray in the oven. Cooking usually takes around 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pastry is crispy.
I keep an eye on it to ensure nothing burns, as we want everything to be just perfect.
Cooking Techniques
When preparing New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breasts, understanding the cooking techniques is essential for achieving a rich flavor and golden, crisp exterior. I’ll delve into the baking process and how to ensure that the chicken cooks just right, making it a delightful experience.
Baking the Dish
To start, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Using a baking tray is key for this dish. Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
I recommend placing the stuffed chicken breasts directly on the tray, allowing air to circulate around them for an even bake.
As the chicken cooks, the goal is a golden and crisp surface.
Baking for about 25-30 minutes will typically achieve this, but keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
The melty Camembert cheese inside adds moisture, ensuring a juicy texture inside while the outside gets beautifully browned.
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic and fresh herbs on top before baking. This not only adds depth to the taste but also creates an appealing aroma that fills your kitchen.
Ensuring Proper Cooking
It’s vital to ensure that the chicken cooks through without drying out.
I prefer cutting the chicken breasts to about 1.5 cm (½ inch) thick for more uniform cooking.
Using a meat thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 75°C (165°F).
I recommend allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
This resting period helps the juices redistribute, enhancing the overall taste.
Paying attention to these techniques will give you a satisfying cooking experience and a flavorful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing the New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast with the right sides enhances the overall dining experience. I enjoy considering how to complete the meal and make it special for gatherings.
Completing the Meal
For a delightful balance, I often serve my stuffed chicken with baby spinach leaves. The fresh greens add a light crunch and can be tossed with a simple vinaigrette for added flavor.
Another great side is crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up any delicious juices from the chicken.
Consider warming the bread or toasting it slightly for a delightful texture.
Roasted vegetables can also complement the dish well.
A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots and zucchini, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, enhances both color and taste on the plate.
This variety not only provides nutrition but also creates a visually appealing meal.
Hosting a Dinner Party
When I host a dinner party, the presentation becomes key. I often use elegant serving platters for the chicken.
Surrounding the chicken with baby spinach leaves adds a pop of color and freshness.
It’s nice to prepare a charcuterie board alongside. I fill it with crusty bread, assorted cheeses, and some cured meats.
This gives my guests a variety of flavors and textures to enjoy before the main course.
I also like to offer a light, refreshing salad. A mix of mixed greens, nuts, and a citrus dressing pairs nicely with the rich flavors of the stuffed chicken.
Ingredients For the New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe
Chicken Breasts
Butter
Basil
Garlic
Camembert Cheese
Flour
Egg
Panko
Salt
Pepper
White Wine
Olive Oil
Cooking Instructions For the New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe
Preheat oven to 180°C/350-375°F.
Combine chopped basil, garlic, and butter.
Cut a deep pocket in each chicken breast and fill with the butter mixture. Top with Camembert slices, pressing them in.
Dust the breasts with flour, then dip into beaten egg.
Season panko with salt and pepper, then roll the chicken breasts in the mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
For best results, chill the chicken for 30 minutes or place directly in a greased baking dish.
Bake for 15 minutes, then pour over wine and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and fully cooked.
FAQ For the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe
Question: What are the main ingredients in the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe?
A: The main ingredients in the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe include chicken breast, garlic, camembert cheese, olive oil, and seasoning. These ingredients come together to create a rich, flavorful dish.
Question: Can I substitute camembert cheese in the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe?
A: While camembert is traditional in the recipe, you can substitute it with other soft cheeses like brie or even goat cheese, though the flavor may vary slightly.
Question: How long does the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe take to cook?
A: The Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe typically takes about 25-30 minutes to bake, depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts and the temperature of the oven.
Question: Can I prepare the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it. Bake it just before serving.
Question: What side dishes go well with the Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe?
A: The Traditional New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
New Zealand Baked Garlic Camembert Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts boneless skinless
- 1 tbsp Butter softened
- 2 tbsp Basil chopped fresh
- 1 tsp Garlic minced
- 1/2 lb Camembert Cheese
- 2 tbsp Flour
- 1 Egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Pepper
- 1/4 cup Butter Wine Flavored for greasing baking dish
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C/350-375°F.
- Combine chopped basil, garlic, and butter.
- Cut a deep pocket in each chicken breast and fill with the butter mixture. Top with Camembert slices, pressing them in.
- Dust the breasts with flour, then dip into beaten egg.
- Season panko with salt and pepper, then roll the chicken breasts in the mixture, ensuring they’re well coated.
- For best results, chill the chicken for 30 minutes or place directly in a greased baking dish.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then pour over wine and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until lightly browned and fully cooked.
Nutrition
1 comment
For me the key to this recipe was the cheese. It added that something special that was more than just baked chicken.