Description
Succulent chicken breasts filled with rich cream cheese and spinach elevate weeknight dinners from ordinary to extraordinary. Savory herbs and golden-brown edges promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) fresh spinach (chopped)
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning and Aromatics:
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a spacious baking dish for the chicken.
- Carefully slice a deep pocket into each chicken breast, keeping the sides intact to create a perfect cavity for filling.
- Combine the spinach, cheeses, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant and flavorful stuffing mixture.
- Gently pack the prepared filling into each chicken breast pocket, ensuring an even distribution of ingredients.
- Secure the stuffed breasts with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Generously season the exterior of the chicken with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, creating a golden sear on each side of the chicken for 3-4 minutes until a crisp exterior develops.
- Carefully transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking dish, maintaining the golden surface.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F for fully cooked chicken.
- Remove the toothpicks, allowing the chicken to rest briefly before serving to lock in the juicy, melted cheese filling.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pocket is cut carefully to prevent tearing and maintain a secure filling chamber.
- Use room temperature cheese for easier mixing and smoother filling consistency.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before stuffing to help seasoning adhere and promote better searing.
- Select firm and fresh spinach leaves to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 37 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg