Recipe Archive: Chicken with Apple Stuffing

From our Recipe of the Week Archive: October 21, 2007

There is no question that boneless skinless chicken breasts play a leading role on the post-weight loss surgery plate. It is easy to rely on this ubiquitous food for clean lean protein that is healthy and quick to prepare. It is also easy for this food to become monotonous. Often we find ways to pretty up the outside using fresh herbs, spices and vegetables to add flavor and variety. Today's Recipe of the Week takes a different approach: moist and healthy fillings tucked inside the breasts to improve flavor and texture while adding variety to our menus. Give these recipes a try and enjoy your lean clean protein in a whole new way.

Chicken Breasts with Curried Apple Stuffing

Ingredients:
2 teaspoons vegetable oil, divided
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons finely chopped celery
1 3/4 cups chopped peeled Granny Smith apple (about 3/4 pound)
1 3/4 teaspoons curry powder, divided
1/4 cup golden raisins
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1 (10 1/2-ounce) can low-salt chicken broth, divided
4 (4-ounce) skinned, boned, chicken breast halves
3/4 cup apple juice
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions:
Heat 1 teaspoon oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and celery; sauté 5 minutes or until tender. Add apple and 1 teaspoon curry powder; sauté 3 minutes or until apple is tender. Stir in raisins, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1/3 cup broth; cook 4 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates. Spoon apple mixture into a small bowl; set aside.

Cut a horizontal slit through the thickest portion of each breast half to form a pocket. Stuff about 1/4 cup apple mixture into each pocket.

Heat 1 teaspoon oil in skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; sauté 6 minutes on each side or until done. Remove chicken from skillet; set aside.

Add 3/4 teaspoon curry powder, remaining broth, apple juice, and garlic to skillet. Bring to a boil; cook 5 minutes or until reduced to 1 cup.

Combine cornstarch and water; stir well. Add to broth mixture in skillet; stir with a whisk. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Return chicken to skillet; cover and simmer 2 minutes or until heated. Serve sauce with chicken.

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast half and 1/4 cup sauce. Per serving: 240 calories; 30 grams protein, 5 grams fat (1 saturated), 22 grams carbohydrate and 2 grams dietary fiber.