Description
Succulent chicken breasts filled with creamy cream cheese and tender spinach offer a delightful culinary experience that elevates weeknight dinners. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a quick, satisfying meal you’ll want to add to your regular rotation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 chicken breasts
Main Filling:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 375°F (190°C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- Carefully butterfly the chicken breasts, creating a pocket for filling, and generously season both interior and exterior with salt and pepper.
- Create a vibrant filling by combining spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl until well incorporated.
- Evenly distribute the spinach-cheese mixture into the chicken breast pockets, carefully folding the top half over the filling and securing with toothpicks to prevent spillage.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become hot before adding chicken.
- Sear the stuffed chicken breasts until a golden-brown crust forms on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes per side, developing rich flavor and color.
- Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and the filling becomes hot and melted.
- Remove from oven and allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, which helps redistribute the juices and maintain moisture before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are evenly butterflied for consistent cooking and attractive presentation.
- Mix cheese and spinach filling thoroughly to distribute flavors and create a creamy, uniform texture.
- Secure chicken with toothpicks carefully to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden-brown exterior and enhance browning.
- For a low-carb option, substitute mozzarella with a lighter cheese like feta or goat cheese.
- Avoid overcrowding the skillet to allow proper browning and prevent steaming the chicken.
- Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety using a meat thermometer.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with frozen spinach, but squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg