Description
Savory spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a delightful fusion of tender chicken and creamy spinach filling. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients create a wholesome, elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners and special occasions 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
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 2 cups (60 grams) fresh spinach
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 4–6 toothpicks
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for roasting the chicken.
- In a skillet, gently wilt the spinach with minced garlic using olive oil until leaves become tender and release moisture.
- Blend the wilted spinach with cream cheese and mozzarella, creating a smooth, creamy filling with vibrant green color.
- Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoky paprika for enhanced flavor profile.
- Carefully spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the created pockets, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the filled chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from leaking during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high temperature and sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
- Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the preheated oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove toothpicks before serving the golden, cheese-filled chicken breasts hot from the oven.
Notes
- Prevent overcrowding the skillet when searing to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and avoid steaming the chicken.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety without overcooking.
- For a lower-carb option, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese to reduce fat and add protein.
- Experiment with alternative herbs like basil or thyme in the spinach mixture to customize the flavor profile and keep the dish exciting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg