Description
Succulent spinach stuffed chicken breast combines creamy cheese and tender spinach in a delightful main course. Crispy exterior and juicy interior make you crave this elegant protein-packed dinner perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups (480 milliliters) fresh spinach, chopped
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup (30 grams) shredded mozzarella
Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking temperature.
- Sizzle olive oil in a skillet and gently toast minced garlic until aromatic. Introduce fresh spinach and cook until completely softened and reduced.
- Blend the wilted spinach with creamy cheese, tangy Parmesan, and melty mozzarella in a mixing bowl until thoroughly incorporated.
- Create deep pockets in each chicken breast by carefully slicing a horizontal slit along the thickest side, ensuring not to cut completely through.
- Carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
- Secure the stuffed breasts with toothpicks if needed to prevent filling from escaping during cooking. Generously season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat additional oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer seared chicken to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create even pockets without cutting through the entire piece, ensuring a secure filling pocket.
- Drain excess moisture from spinach after cooking to prevent a watery stuffing that might make the chicken soggy.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and easier mixing with other stuffing ingredients.
- Choose low-fat cheese options and Greek yogurt as substitutes to make this dish lighter and more diet-friendly for health-conscious individuals.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 282 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 380 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg