Description
Succulent spinach stuffed chicken breast combines Mediterranean flavors with creamy cheese and tender chicken. Home cooks can easily craft this elegant main dish with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 2 cups spinach, fresh, chopped (or 1 cup spinach, frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tbsp (tablespoon) olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp (teaspoon) paprika
- ½ tsp (teaspoon) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (teaspoon) onion powder
- ½ tsp (teaspoon) salt
- ¼ tsp (teaspoon) salt
- ¼ tsp (teaspoon) black pepper
- ¼ tsp (teaspoon) black pepper
Instructions
- Filling Preparation: Thoroughly blend cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, spinach, salt, and pepper into a creamy, uniform mixture that promises rich, harmonious flavors.
- Chicken Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) while delicately butterfly each chicken breast, creating a pocket without completely separating the meat.
- Seasoning Layer: Coat chicken exteriors with a zesty blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion.
- Stuffing Process: Carefully spoon the spinach-cheese mixture into chicken pockets, distributing evenly to guarantee a balanced taste in every bite.
- Sealing and Searing: Secure pockets with toothpicks, then sear in olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Oven Finishing: Transfer skillet directly to preheated oven, baking for 15-20 minutes until chicken reaches a safe 165°F (75°C) internal temperature, ensuring complete cooking and optimal texture.
- Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes post-cooking, then plate alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad for a complete, appetizing meal.
Notes
- Butterfly with Care: Use a sharp knife and slice chicken breasts horizontally, keeping one side intact to create a perfect pocket without cutting completely through.
- Even Filling Distribution: Spread spinach-cheese mixture gently and uniformly to guarantee consistent flavor in every bite and prevent potential leakage during cooking.
- Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to precisely track internal temperature, removing chicken exactly at 165°F to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness.
- Toothpick Pro Tip: Remove toothpicks before serving and remember to inform guests about their presence to avoid accidental biting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg