Description
Savory spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. Juicy chicken breasts filled with creamy spinach and cheese create a perfect weeknight dinner that will impress family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Herbs, Spices, and Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring optimal temperature for chicken preparation.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by cutting a horizontal pocket, maintaining an intact outer edge to hold the filling securely.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture, using toothpicks to seal the opening if necessary.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, then sear stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior.
- Top each chicken breast with fresh tomato slices to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring complete cooking.
- Remove skillet from oven and allow chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute and maintain moisture.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, plate, and serve immediately while hot and flavorful.
Notes
- Choose fresh spinach for maximum flavor and nutrient density, ensuring the filling tastes vibrant and green.
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother filling consistency.
- Use a sharp knife when creating the chicken pocket to prevent tearing and maintain meat integrity.
- Consider pounding chicken breasts slightly thinner for more even cooking and easier stuffing process.
- Experiment with alternative cheese options like feta or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
- For low-carb diets, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or reduce cheese quantity.
- Ensure chicken reaches exact 165°F internal temperature to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Opt for organic, free-range chicken for enhanced taste and ethical sourcing.
- Freeze extra stuffed chicken breasts before baking for convenient meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 466
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 703 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg