Looking for a delicious, lighter comfort food recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor? This Chicken with Tomato, Three Cheeses, and Olives is exactly that! It’s a lightened-up version of a classic breaded chicken dish, inspired by Rose Reisman’s Family Favorites cookbook. The result? A cheesy, flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s quick and easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Flavorful – A lighter take on breaded chicken while keeping all the cheesy goodness.

• Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

• Customizable – Swap out the cheeses, tomatoes, or olives to suit your tastes!

Ingredients (Serves 6)

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 egg

• 2 tbsp skim milk

• 3/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tsp vegetable oil

Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cup diced vine or plum tomatoes

• 1/2 cup shredded Asiago cheese

• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped green olives

• 1 tsp chopped garlic

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 3 tbsp fresh chopped basil

• 2 tsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly coat a 9x13 casserole dish with cooking spray.

Pound the chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking.

2. Bread and Sear the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Dip each chicken breast into the mixture, then coat lightly with breadcrumbs on a separate plate.

Heat 2 tsp vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish.

3. Add the Cheese and Tomato Topping

In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, Asiago, goat cheese, Parmesan, olives, garlic, and dried basil. Spoon the mixture evenly over the chicken.

4. Bake to Perfection

Cover and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Remove the cover and bake for an additional 3 minutes to slightly crisp the topping.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh basil and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad. Enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Chicken with Tomato, Three Cheeses, and Olives

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh basil and vine-ripened tomatoes elevate the flavors.

• Try different cheese combos – Swap Asiago for Havarti or add feta for a tangy kick.

• Make it crispy – If you love extra crunch, lightly spray the breadcrumbs with cooking spray before searing.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken with Tomato, Three Cheeses, and Olives is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting, cheesy dish without feeling too heavy. It’s an easy, 30-minute meal that’s great for busy nights while still feeling gourmet. The mix of savory cheeses, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives makes for an unbeatable combination.

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Cranberry-stuffed chicken is a delicious and elegant meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe was inspired by a classic Rose Reisman dish, but I've made some adjustments to suit my family's tastes and portion needs. Instead of using chicken supreme, I opted for a light breading, making the dish crisp and flavorful while keeping it healthier.

My youngest has recently developed a love for all things cranberry, so this dish was a special request. The combination of tart cranberries, crunchy almonds, and creamy Havarti cheese creates a mouthwatering stuffing, while the maple-orange glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This meal comes together in about 45 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken Recipe

• Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweetness of maple syrup and orange juice contrasts beautifully with the tart cranberries and savory chicken.

• Crispy yet tender: A light breading gives the chicken a golden crust without being too heavy.

• Easy to prepare: Despite its gourmet presentation, this dish is simple and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (six breasts)

• 1/4 cup bread crumbs

• 1 egg

• 1/4 cup skim milk

For the Stuffing:

• 3/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/3 cup toasted almonds

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 2 tsp olive oil

• 3/4 cup shredded light Havarti cheese

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup thawed concentrated orange juice

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 2 tsp sesame oil

• 1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp finely chopped garlic

• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch

Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Make a horizontal slit in each chicken breast to create a pocket for the stuffing, being careful not to slice all the way through.

Step 2: Make the Stuffing

In a food processor, pulse the cranberries and almonds until finely chopped. Add the cinnamon, olive oil, and shredded Havarti cheese, then process for about a minute until well combined.

Stuff each chicken breast with the cranberry mixture and secure the opening with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.

Step 3: Coat and Sear the Chicken

In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and skim milk. Dip each stuffed chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat evenly with breadcrumbs.

Lightly coat a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Spray the breaded chicken lightly with cooking spray and cook for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the chicken bakes, whisk together the maple syrup, orange juice, honey, soy sauce, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the cornstarch and whisk well.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about a minute, until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks from the chicken and plate. Drizzle the warm maple-orange glaze over each piece and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken

• Don’t overstuff: While you want a good amount of filling, overstuffing may cause the chicken to burst open during cooking.

• Secure with toothpicks: This prevents the stuffing from leaking out while cooking.

• Use a meat thermometer: Ensuring the chicken reaches 165°F guarantees it's fully cooked without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cranberry-stuffed chicken with:

• Steamed jasmine rice or wild rice blend to soak up the sauce.

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus for a vibrant side.

• A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Riesling, for a perfect pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry-Stuffed Chicken with Maple Orange Glaze is a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will impress your family and guests alike. It's easy enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough for a dinner party. The tangy-sweet stuffing and luscious sauce make it a dish worth repeating.

Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! If you make any tweaks, I’d love to hear about them in the comments.