Looking for a way to stabilize your stuffed chicken breast? Don't always reach for the twine. Sure, it works, but where's the fun in there? Here are a few ways to make sure your stuffed chicken breast doesn't come undone.
One strategy I've applied in the past that has worked with moderate success is using green onion stalks to tie the chicken together. You'll want a delicate hand with this so you aren't constantly re-tying after breaking the stalk. I found it adds a decent flavor to the outside of the chicken without being overpowering. I tried eating the baked stalk but didn't find it palatable, so I recommend removing it before serving. The chicken should retain its shape.
Another option favored by some is to wrap the chicken in bacon. Yes, bacon makes everything better. It bakes well, and because it works so well in strips, it actually does a good job of closing the chicken up. Just make sure the ingredients compliment the bacon, because it will definitely be a strong flavor in the dish.
If you're looking for a solution that doesn't impart flavor, look towards dried spaghetti. Take long pieces of uncooked spaghetti noodle and poke them through the meat to make sure it stays closed: much like a skewer. Bake the chicken normally, then simply break off the blackened end of the noodle and serve. The spaghetti inside the chicken will have softened and cooked in the chicken juices, and has such a small presence that the flavor won't interfere with the rest of the dish!
So here you are: three methods of adding a little extra flavor, or just stabilizing stuffed chicken without using twine. Enjoy!
