Description
Mediterranean-inspired stuffed chicken breasts showcase a delightful blend of feta, spinach, and herbs. Fresh ingredients and simple techniques create an elegant dinner perfect for home cooks seeking Mediterranean flavors you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Oil:
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Elevate chicken breasts by creating a delicate pocket for a sumptuous filling, ensuring even seasoning with aromatic spices.
- Craft a luxurious blend of verdant spinach, creamy cheese varieties, and fragrant garlic, mixing until harmoniously combined.
- Gently unfold chicken breasts, creating a butterfly technique that allows maximum stuffing potential without compromising structural integrity.
- Carefully distribute the prepared cheese and spinach mixture into each chicken cavity, ensuring even and generous distribution.
- Secure the filled pouches with slender toothpicks, preventing delectable filling from escaping during cooking process.
- Ignite a skillet over medium-high temperature, introducing olive oil to create a golden-brown exterior with crisp, caramelized edges for approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transition seared chicken to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, allowing interior to reach perfect doneness within 20-25 minutes.
- After removing from oven, permit chicken to rest momentarily, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Serve immediately, presenting a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that promises a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly butterflied to guarantee consistent cooking and prevent dry spots.
- Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese for a lighter, lower-fat alternative that maintains creamy texture.
- Select fresh spinach and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery filling and maintain stuffing’s structural integrity.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg