Description
Succulent Stuffed Chicken Breast delivers Mediterranean flavors that dance across your palate with rich herbed cheese and spinach. Elegant yet simple, this dish promises a gourmet experience you can savor without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) spinach (chopped)
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Essentials:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 375F (190C), preparing for a delectable culinary journey.
- Craft a luscious filling by blending cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, finely chopped spinach, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a harmonious sprinkle of salt and pepper until thoroughly integrated.
- Delicately slice a hidden pocket into each chicken breast, maintaining the structural integrity of the meat.
- Generously fill the chicken pockets with the vibrant cheese-spinach mixture, then seal the openings meticulously using toothpicks to prevent leakage.
- Enhance the exterior of the chicken with a graceful dusting of salt, pepper, and a gentle drizzle of olive oil for added depth of flavor.
- Ignite a skillet over medium heat, introducing a splash of olive oil, and elegantly sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden, crispy exterior.
- Transition the seared chicken to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165F (75C).
- Carefully extract the toothpicks, allow the chicken to rest briefly, then serve this sumptuous creation to eager diners.
Notes
- Customize the filling by swapping spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, roasted peppers, or caramelized onions for varied flavor profiles.
- Choose low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella to reduce overall calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before stuffing to ensure crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
- Utilize a meat thermometer for precise doneness, avoiding overcooking which can lead to dry chicken breast.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg