Description
Rich and creamy spinach stuffed chicken breast brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables. Juicy chicken breasts filled with herbed spinach and cheese offer a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies hungry families.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups spinach (fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), ensuring an ideal cooking environment for the chicken.
- Combine fresh spinach leaves with creamy cheese varieties, minced garlic, and seasonings in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and flavorful filling.
- Carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, creating a spacious cavity for the luscious spinach mixture.
- Gently stuff the prepared chicken breasts with the cheese and spinach blend, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then carefully sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown exterior.
- Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, positioning the pieces to allow even heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee thorough cooking.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, letting the juices redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for a brighter, more vibrant flavor and better texture compared to frozen spinach.
- Butterfly the chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture.
- Try additional herbs like basil or thyme to customize the stuffing and add extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg