Ingredients:
1 16-oz. package Premio Sweet Italian Sausage
8 chicken breast halves, boned and skinless
1 8-oz. package cream cheese, diced in 8 rectangles
1 8-10 oz. package sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup low-fat milk
1 1/4 cups bread crumbs, finely crumbled (any brand or homemade)
3 tbsp. Italian seasoning, dried
1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 tbsp. garlic, crushed
2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. sea salt
1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
- Always cook pork sausage to a minimum internal temperature of 160° F using a meat thermometer.
- Always cook chicken sausage to a minimum internal temperature of 165° F using a meat thermometer.
How to make Garlic-Lemon and Sausage Double-Stuffed Chicken with Premio Sausage:
1. Place two tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-sized skillet. Heat olive oil on low for one minute.
2. Remove Premio Sweet Italian Sausage links from the package. Cut the casing lengthwise. Squeeze sausage into the skillet. Cook Premio Sweet Italian Sausage for five to seven minutes on medium-high heat. Crumble sausage during cooking using a spoon or spatula. Remove the skillet from heat when the sausage is brown.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Coat a large baking dish or deep baking pan with the remaining three tablespoons of olive oil.
5. Cut the chicken breasts horizontally to create “butterflies.” Do not cut all the way through the chicken. Open the chicken breasts and push flat on your food preparation surface.
6. Divide and place cream cheese rectangles, sausage and sharp cheddar cheese in the center of each chicken breast, then fold chicken breasts to close. Set the double-filled chicken breasts aside.
7. Place the milk in a medium-sized bowl, and combine breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning and parmesan cheese in another medium-sized mixing bowl. Dip each filled chicken breast in milk then into breadcrumbs and cheese. Place coated chicken breasts in a single layer on a greased baking dish or pan.
8. Place butter or margarine in a small pan on the stove. Add garlic, lemon juice, sea salt and pepper. Cook one minute on low to medium heat to bring out the flavors. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the stuffed and breaded chicken breasts.
9. Bake chicken breasts for 35 minutes, and serve the lemon-garlic stuffed chicken featuring Premio Sweet Italian Sausage immediately.