Description
Delectable Greek-inspired stuffed chicken breasts combine feta, spinach, and herbs in a mouthwatering Mediterranean masterpiece. Crisp exterior and juicy interior promise a delightful dining experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1 cup spinach (fresh, chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) paprika
- 1/2 tsp (2.5 g) salt
- 1/4 tsp (1.25 g) black pepper
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking environment.
- Carefully create a deep pocket in each chicken breast by slicing lengthwise, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat.
- Combine cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the stuffed pockets closed with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Massage the exterior of chicken breasts with olive oil, then season uniformly with paprika, salt, and ground black pepper.
- Warm a skillet over medium heat and sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Carefully transfer seared chicken to a baking dish, maintaining the golden exterior.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure complete cooking.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintain moisture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, easier mixing and better blending with other ingredients.
- Carefully butterfly chicken breasts to create an even pocket without piercing through, ensuring a secure filling area.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy exterior.
- Choose fresh spinach instead of frozen to prevent excess moisture that could make the filling watery and compromise the texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg