Looking for an elevated, flavor-packed dinner that celebrates seasonal ingredients? This Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal made right in your kitchen. With juicy chicken breasts wrapped around melted Fontina cheese and salty prosciutto, then baked alongside crisp-tender spring vegetables and finished with a creamy Dijon sauce, this dish is surprisingly simple, family-friendly, and perfect for springtime dining.
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A Gourmet-Level Dinner That’s Surprisingly Simple
This stuffed chicken breast recipe is the kind of dish that feels luxurious but comes together with minimal effort. The combination of Fontina and prosciutto creates a rich, savory filling that oozes with flavor, while the spring vegetables add freshness and color. The creamy mustard sauce ties everything together, creating a balanced and satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables will not disappoint.
What You’ll Need for This Delicious Spring Recipe
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect canvas for stuffing; lean yet juicy when cooked properly.
- Fontina cheese: Melts beautifully and provides a rich, nutty flavor inside the chicken.
- Prosciutto: Adds a salty, savory layer that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for searing and roasting, adding richness and helping with browning.
- Shallots: Mild and sweet, they provide depth to the creamy sauce.
- Dry white wine: Deglazes the pan and adds acidity to balance the richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce without overpowering.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the sauce a tangy bite and creamy texture.
- Snap peas: Bring a sweet crunch and vibrant green color to the plate.
- Carrots: Add natural sweetness and color contrast.
- Fresh dill: Infuses the dish with springy herbaceousness.
Ingredient Swaps and Customizations
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to adjust for dietary needs, consider these alternatives:
- Cheese swap: Gruyère, mozzarella, or provolone can replace Fontina for similar meltiness and mild flavor.
- Prosciutto alternative: Thinly sliced ham or turkey bacon works if prosciutto isn’t available.
- Vegetables: Substitute snap peas and carrots with asparagus, zucchini, or green beans for a seasonal twist.
- Gluten-free: Ensure Dijon and broth are certified gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cheese and skip cream-based sauces—olive oil and lemon juice can still add moisture and flavor.
How to Make Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking dish or sheet pan for roasting.
- Slice a pocket into the thickest part of each chicken breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each breast with a slice of prosciutto and 2 tablespoons of shredded Fontina cheese. Secure with toothpicks if needed.
- Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce: In a separate pan, sauté shallots in olive oil for 2 minutes. Add white wine and reduce by half.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for 3–4 minutes, then stir in Dijon mustard. Whisk until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Steam or sauté the vegetables: Cook snap peas and carrots in a little olive oil or water until just tender-crisp, about 5–7 minutes.
- Plate the dish: Arrange vegetables beside the stuffed chicken, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh dill.
Tips and Techniques for Best Results
- Don’t overstuff the chicken: Too much filling can cause the chicken to split during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your chicken is juicy and safely cooked.
- Let it rest: Rest the chicken for 5 minutes after baking for maximum juiciness.
- Deglaze well: Scrape up browned bits when making the sauce to add flavor.
- Don’t overcook veggies: Keep them vibrant and slightly crisp to balance the rich filling.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
This stuffed chicken recipe already includes vegetables, but here are some great sides and variations:
- Serve with a starch: Try creamy mashed potatoes, herbed rice, or crusty sourdough bread to soak up the sauce.
- Add a fresh salad: A lemony arugula salad or cucumber-dill slaw adds contrast.
- Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the filling or sauce for a little heat.
- Try a Mediterranean twist: Use sun-dried tomatoes and basil in the stuffing for added complexity.
- Make ahead: Assemble the chicken up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
A Celebration of Spring Ingredients
One of the best aspects of Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables is how it showcases the season’s best ingredients. Fresh peas, dill, and tender carrots signal spring’s arrival in every bite. This dish is ideal for spring entertaining, Easter dinner, or simply celebrating the change of seasons with your family at the dinner table.
From its creamy, cheesy center to its crisp veggies and tangy mustard sauce, this Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables recipe delivers flavor, elegance, and nutrition all in one beautifully balanced plate.
Conclusion
Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables is a standout recipe that balances indulgence and freshness in every bite. The melty Fontina cheese and savory prosciutto wrapped inside tender chicken breasts create a luxurious filling, while crisp spring vegetables and a tangy mustard sauce round out the dish with color, texture, and seasonal vibrance. Whether you’re hosting a spring dinner party or simply looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this dish brings gourmet flair to your table with minimal effort. With a few smart swaps and make-ahead tips, it’s also highly adaptable to dietary preferences and seasonal availability. Bring the best of spring to your plate with this delightful and nourishing stuffed chicken recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of Fontina cheese in this stuffed chicken recipe?
If you can’t find Fontina or prefer a different flavor, try Gruyère, provolone, or mozzarella. These cheeses also melt well and have a mild, creamy flavor that pairs beautifully with prosciutto and chicken. Avoid overly sharp or dry cheeses, as they may not provide the same texture or richness.
Can I prepare Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the stuffed chicken breasts up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped. When ready to cook, bring them to room temperature for about 20 minutes and follow the cooking instructions. The vegetables and sauce are best prepared fresh, but they can be prepped (chopped and portioned) in advance to save time.
How do I know when the stuffed chicken is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken (avoiding the cheese center); it should read 165°F (74°C). The juices should also run clear. Resting the chicken for a few minutes after cooking helps the filling settle and keeps the meat juicy.
More Relevant Recipes
- Lamb Bolognese – Homemade Italian Recipe: This hearty Italian-inspired dish features rich flavors similar to prosciutto and fontina. The savory depth of slow-simmered lamb pairs well with pasta or crusty bread, making it an excellent complement to stuffed chicken dishes.
- Creamy Garlic Pasta – Easy & Comforting: Creamy garlic pasta offers a luxurious texture that mirrors the rich sauce in the stuffed chicken recipe. Perfect as a side or main dish, this simple yet elegant pasta is a great flavor match.
- Mediterranean Style Chicken Piccata: Featuring a lemony caper sauce and tender chicken, this Mediterranean dish offers bright, balanced flavors that harmonize well with spring vegetables and creamy cheese fillings.
Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
Fontina and Prosciutto Stuffed Chicken with Spring Vegetables is a gourmet-style dish that’s perfect for spring. Juicy chicken breasts are stuffed with creamy Fontina cheese and savory prosciutto, then seared and oven-roasted. Served with vibrant snap peas and carrots, and finished with a tangy Dijon mustard sauce, it’s a satisfying yet fresh meal ideal for entertaining or an elevated weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each): main protein and stuffing base
- 4 slices prosciutto: adds a salty, savory interior
- 1/2 cup shredded Fontina cheese: provides rich, creamy texture and flavor
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: used for searing and sautéing
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots: mild aromatic base for sauce
- 1/4 cup dry white wine: deglazes pan and adds acidity
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: forms base of sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: gives sauce a tangy finish
- 1 cup snap peas, trimmed: fresh spring vegetable with crunch
- 1 cup sliced carrots: adds color, sweetness, and texture
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill: herbaceous garnish and flavor boost
- Salt and black pepper to taste: enhances overall flavor
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare an oven-safe skillet or baking dish.
- Slice a pocket into each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each breast with one slice of prosciutto and about 2 tablespoons of shredded Fontina cheese. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- While chicken cooks, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add shallots and cook for 2 minutes.
- Pour in white wine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let reduce by half, about 2–3 minutes.
- Add chicken broth and simmer for another 3–4 minutes. Stir in Dijon mustard and whisk until sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- In a separate skillet or steamer, cook snap peas and carrots for 5–7 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- To serve, arrange stuffed chicken with vegetables on a plate. Spoon mustard sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh dill.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked at 165°F.
- Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent splitting during baking.
- You can assemble the stuffed chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Substitute vegetables based on what’s in season, such as asparagus or zucchini.
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Searing and Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 stuffed chicken breast + 1/2 cup vegetables
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 669mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg