Description
Classic stuffed chicken breast combines tender poultry with a rich, creamy spinach and feta filling. Crisp golden-brown exterior gives way to a luxurious, flavor-packed interior that satisfies savory cravings and impresses dinner guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts
- 14 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Carefully create a horizontal pocket in each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
- Combine finely chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl until well integrated.
- Generously fill each chicken breast with the prepared spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
- Liberally coat the exterior of the chicken breasts with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoky paprika, and aromatic onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become extremely hot before adding chicken.
- Sear chicken breasts for approximately 3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms, creating a flavorful exterior.
- Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, placing in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.
- Verify doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) using a meat thermometer.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute juices and ensures maximum tenderness before serving.
Notes
- Customize the filling by swapping spinach with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a flavor twist.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella to create a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
- Ensure even cooking by pounding chicken breasts to uniform thickness before creating the pocket for stuffing.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme to the cheese mixture for an extra layer of aromatic complexity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 238 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2.5 g
- Fiber: 0.7 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg