Description
Cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breast delights palates with its luxurious Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Herbed cheese and tender chicken create a succulent main course perfect for special dinners you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
- 1 cup (113 grams) mozzarella cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Toothpicks (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring an even temperature for consistent cooking.
- Carefully slice chicken breasts horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
- Combine cream cheese, finely chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until well incorporated.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared cheese and spinach mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary.
- Externally season the stuffed chicken breasts with a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
- Warm olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing chicken breasts until a golden-brown crust develops on both sides.
- Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing chicken to bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat appears completely white throughout.
- Remove from oven and let chicken rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and ensuring a moist, tender final dish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is evenly butterflied to create a consistent pocket for even stuffing distribution.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior when searing.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother mixing and easier stuffing of the chicken breast.
- For a low-carb option, replace cream cheese with ricotta or goat cheese and add extra herbs for flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg