Description
Savory spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight packed with robust flavors and elegant presentation. Tender chicken breasts filled with creamy spinach and herbs promise a delicious meal you’ll eagerly savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 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:
- 2 cups (480 ml) fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Additional:
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating it to 375F (190C) for optimal cooking conditions.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently wilt spinach and garlic together, stirring occasionally until leaves become tender and fragrant, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer sauteed spinach mixture to a mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly before incorporating cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until thoroughly blended.
- Using a sharp knife, delicately create a horizontal pocket inside each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice completely through the meat.
- Carefully fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach-cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution and preventing overflow.
- Seal the chicken breast openings securely using toothpicks to maintain the stuffing’s integrity during cooking.
- Generously season the exterior of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, enhancing their flavor profile.
- Arrange the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C).
- Once cooked, remove toothpicks carefully, let the chicken rest for 3-4 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve immediately.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create a pocket without cutting through, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Chill the cream cheese mixture briefly before stuffing to make it easier to handle and prevent spillage during baking.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a crispier texture and more vibrant green color in the filling.
- Swap cream cheese with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile that complements the spinach perfectly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 315 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg