Description
Mexican-inspired stuffed chicken rolls deliver a flavor explosion that combines tender chicken with zesty pepper jack cheese and crisp bacon. Savory layers of ingredients create a delightful main course you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheeses:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Toothpicks
Instructions
- Prepare the flavor-packed filling by blending spinach with soft cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and minced garlic until thoroughly integrated.
- Carefully create a deep pocket in each chicken breast using a sharp knife, ensuring not to pierce completely through the meat.
- Generously fill the chicken breast cavities with the creamy spinach-cheese mixture, securing the openings with toothpicks to prevent leakage.
- Massage the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously coat with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high temperature and sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior.
- Transfer the skillet directly into a preheated 375F (190C) oven and roast for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C).
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Carefully extract the toothpicks and serve the stuffed chicken immediately, showcasing the melted cheese and herb-infused filling.
Notes
- Customize the filling by swapping spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or roasted bell peppers for varied nutrition and flavor profiles.
- Ensure chicken is evenly stuffed to prevent cheese leakage and maintain a balanced texture throughout the meat.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing overcooking that can dry out the chicken and make the filling less creamy.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace high-fat cheeses with lighter alternatives like reduced-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 330 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg