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Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Apples, Almonds and Blue Cheese

(Family Features) - Explore new ways to make cooking at home simple, satisfying and nourishing with time-saving tips and recipes from Robin Miller, bestselling cookbook author, nutritionist and host of Food Network's "Quick Fix Meals."

"I've teamed up with the Almond Board of California to demonstrate how to take wholesome ingredients like almonds and transform them into practical and delicious meal ideas," Miller says.

Almonds are a heart-smart1 ingredient and snack that offer many nutrients. A one-ounce, 160-calorie handful of almonds (about 23 almonds) provides protein (6g), fiber (3g), heart-healthy unsaturated fat (13g) and only one gram of saturated fat. Plus, one ounce of almonds is an excellent source of vitamin E and magnesium and offers potassium (200mg), calcium (75mg) and iron (1.0mg).

"Almonds are the perfect quick fix ingredient because they're so versatile," Miller said. "Their nutty flavor and satisfying crunch work with everything from pungent blue cheese to the sweet and sour flavors of pomegranates and apples."

Miller's recipes offer her famous quick fix tips and "morphing options" to stretch the flavor even further without putting a strain on your wallet. For example, her simple apple, almond and blue cheese stuffing for chicken easily morphs into a delicious and satisfying topping for pork chops or salmon. Morphing is more than leftovers - it's quick-fix cooking you and your budget will love.

Visit www.AlmondsAreIn.com for almond recipes, nutritional information and to learn about the Ultimate Snack Off Recipe Sweepstakes.

1 Scientific evidence suggests but does not prove that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, such as almonds, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Stuffed Chicken Breasts with Apples, Almonds and Blue Cheese

Description
Recipe created exclusively for the Almond Board of California by Robin Miller

Ingredients
  • Cooking spray
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (about 5 ounces each)
  • 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese (any variety, including Gorgonzola)
  • 1/2 cup slivered almonds
  • 1 apple (preferably Mackintosh, Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored and diced
  • 3 teaspoons chopped fresh dill
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 teaspoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon (4 teaspoons) dried minced onion

Preparation
    1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Coat shallow roasting pan with cooking spray.
    2. Using a sharp paring knife, slice a pocket into each chicken breast, as if halving a bagel, without completely cutting through the other side. Arrange chicken in prepared pan and set aside.
    3. In medium bowl, combine blue cheese, almonds, apple, and dill. Add a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Mix together with fork until mixture is well blended and comes together. Divide mixture into four equal portions and spoon each portion into the pocket of the chicken. Brush olive oil all over top of chicken and season top with salt, black pepper and dried onion (1 teaspoon dried onion for each breast). Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
    4. Serve this dish with steamed asparagus tossed with lemon juice, brown rice that's been cooked in chicken broth (and tossed with fresh parsley) or angel hair pasta that's been tossed with olive oil and fresh basil.
    5. Morphing options: Since the filling for the stuffed chicken is also great chilled, make an extra batch and spoon it over grilled or roasted salmon, shrimp or grilled pork chops.

Preparation Time
15 minutes

Start to Finish Time
45 minutes

SOURCE: Almond Board of California

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