If I were a man, I am almost certain I would be a breast man…at least if my chicken preference is anything to go by ;). Given its availability and versatility, chicken breast has always been a staple in my diet. Despite the infinite ways to cook up chicken, I tend to get stuck on one flavor or cooking method and keep eating it until I am fed up. My current chicken obsession is in the form of chicken suya:
Chicken (or beef) suya is a popular food sold on the streets of Nigeria. It’s similar to shish kebab (roasted skewered meat), but with an African twist. When I lived in Nigeria, we used to buy the suya powder and replicate it at home. Although we’ve never made the powder from scratch, it’s essentially a combination of ground peanuts, cayenne pepper, paprika, ground ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. It’s absolutely delicious but too hot too handle…literally! Despite the copious amounts of Ketchup I dipped each piece in, my mouth was on fire by the end of lunch.
Considering that was today’s lunch, it’s safe to say that chicken suya still has a few more weeks until it’s rotation time. However that didn’t stop me from trying out a new chicken recipe over the weekend: Philly Stuffed Chicken Breast
Philly Stuffed Chicken Breast (serves 1)
*Note: Vegetarians can replicate this with meat-free fillets*
Ingredients
- Chicken breast piece
- Basil Leaves
- Philadelphia (Light) cream cheese
- Tomato slices
- Black pepper
- Your favorite chicken marinade/spice
Method
1) Preheat oven to 200*C
2) Cut a pocket across the breast piece
3) Add a heaped teaspoon of Philly into the chicken and spread a layer across.
4) Place basil leaves and tomato slices on top of the cream cheese. Sprinkle over black pepper.
5) Rub enough marinade/spice to coat the entire breast piece
6) Place the chicken on foil and let it bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes
7) Serve with your choice of sides
What’s your current go-to chicken recipe?
That is one gorgeous breast. I’ve always been intimidated to make stuffed chicken but I’m pretty sure I can do this! Thanks for the idea 🙂
Hope you enjoy it! For the longest time, the idea of touching raw chicken intimidated me!
This looks a million times better than my “Shake n’ Bake” stuffed chicken! I think Vishnu and his roommate would be all over this…sending him the recipe now! 🙂
Ohh is that recipe on your blog? If so, I will definitely give it a go! Hope Vishnu tried out (and enjoyed) this recipe :)!
That suya powder sounds GOOD! Everything I love, in one powerful seasoning. I bet it would be awesome as a coating for tofu or even roasted veggies, too.
I often use it on tofu and it tastes GREAT…even on mushrooms, given how their meaty texture!
Ohh, I didn’t even stop to think about mushrooms, I bet that would be amazing! I’m a huge fan of marinated portobellos–I agree, they have such great texture.
this looks soooooo delish. i love your nigeria posts. 🙂 they are so nostalgic. you definitely ventured out in terms of eating there, i always ate indian food at home, i lived there till i was 9 though.
Haha I wish I ventured out more…suya and jollof rice was as “adventerous” as I went! What school did you attend in Nigeria?
I’m not a huge fan of chicken because I think it gets boring, but these two dishes both look really yum and flavoursome!!
Chicken can get boring but its blandness works out well..enables it to take on a variety of flavors!
I love it when I feel like I can taste the food by looking at photos…
This looks amazing! I love that it’s not too complicated too, it’s a must try!
Please do try, I am sure you’d love it!
Ha! Your first sentence got me laughing to loud, it hurts so good 😀
Kiran @ KiranTarun.com
I am glad u enjoy my quirky sense of humor!
This looks amazing! I love stuffing chicken with goat cheese, sun dried tomatoes, spinach, and black olives. But I’ve never tried anything like this recipe before – I’m definitely bookmarking this to try! 😀
Oh wow and I’m definitely trying out your combination for stuffing chicken..I can already tell it’s a winner!
I don’t eat chicken but I will say that there are few things that don’t go phenomenally well with cream cheese! Such a great idea.
Oh so true…cream cheese is wonderful, preferably on bagels or in cheesecake ;)!
this looks amazing, my boyfriend loves chicken. I may cook this for him, I like adding soy sauce and chinese 5 spice to mine
Hope he enjoys it!
Mmmmm basil. I do not eat chicken, however this recipe does look mighty tasty.
Even the combo without the chicken (tomato slices, basil and cream cheese) is fabulous, especially as a summer salad!
Stuffed chicken is one my go-to meals for weeknight dinners – add some salad on the side and roasted sweet potato – voila!
I stuff it with goats cheese/fetta, hommus, roasted peppers and fresh chill – covered in panko breadcrumbs…mmm…ok thats what I want for dinner now.
Hummus stuffed chicken…you are genius!
A jet-setter for sure — and Disney marathon is something I’m sure is easily doable for you 🙂
I need to try this stuffed chicken breast recipe — looks so drool-worthy 😀
If you do try it, hope you enjoy it 🙂