Description
Irresistible Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast combines tangy feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a juicy chicken package. Fragrant herbs and a golden-brown crust make this dish a delightful centerpiece you can savor with pure culinary satisfaction.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Filling:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace by gathering all necessary tools and preheating the oven to 375F (190C).
- Create a pocket within each chicken breast by carefully slicing horizontally, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat.
- Combine the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well incorporated.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, using toothpicks to seal and prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
- Gently transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, placing them without overcrowding to ensure even heat distribution.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, verifying doneness by checking that the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures a moist, tender result.
- Carefully remove toothpicks before serving to prevent any potential injury while enjoying the meal.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality spinach for the most vibrant flavor and best texture in the stuffing mixture.
- Select full-fat cream cheese for a richer, more indulgent filling that melts smoothly inside the chicken.
- Remove toothpicks carefully before serving to prevent any accidental biting or choking hazards.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, avoiding any pink areas.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 295 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg