The Zesty Sun-Dried Tomato & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Recipe

Culinary magic happens when sun-dried tomato, spinach, and cheese collide in a mouthwatering chicken breast creation.

Flavor-packed ingredients dance together, promising a delightful dining experience.

Tender chicken becomes a canvas for vibrant Mediterranean-inspired fillings.

Succulent meat nestles with tangy tomatoes and creamy cheese.

Bright green spinach adds a fresh, nutritious punch to every bite.

Herbs and spices whisper their aromatic secrets through each perfectly rolled slice.

You’ll crave this restaurant-worthy dish that comes together with surprising ease.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this simple yet spectacular meal.

What Makes This Stuffed Chicken So Satisfying

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Combines sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and two cheeses for a gourmet taste experience that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.
• Master Impressive Cooking Skills: Requires basic techniques like butterflying chicken and searing, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their culinary repertoire without overwhelming complexity.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different cheeses or adding herbs based on personal preference or pantry availability, creating a flexible meal solution.
• Nutrition-Packed Protein: Incorporates lean protein from chicken with nutrient-rich spinach and calcium-dense cheeses, delivering a balanced and wholesome dinner option for health-conscious individuals.

Ingredients for Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Tender, lean protein that serves as the main vessel for the flavorful stuffing.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Provide rich, tangy flavor and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a creamy, melty texture and add depth of cheesy flavor.
• Minced Garlic, Italian Herbs: Enhance the overall taste profile with aromatic and savory notes.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that help develop golden-brown color and enhance the chicken's natural taste.
• Toothpicks: Used to secure the chicken breast and hold the stuffing in place during cooking.

How to Make Stuffed Chicken That Oozes Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect warm environment for our culinary adventure.

Step 2: Create Chicken Pockets

Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a beautiful butterfly pocket that will cradle our flavorful filling.

Step 3: Blend Mouthwatering Filling

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Fresh spinach leaves
• Creamy mozzarella cheese
• Aged Parmesan cheese
• Aromatic minced garlic
• Fragrant Italian herbs

Gently mix these ingredients until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 4: Stuff and Secure Chicken

Generously fill each chicken pocket with the vibrant mixture, then use toothpicks to seal the opening and keep all those amazing flavors locked inside.

Step 5: Sear to Golden Perfection

Warm olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Sear each breast for 3-4 minutes until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Step 6: Bake Until Fully Cooked

Slide the entire skillet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink in the center.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the toothpicks and plate your stunning stuffed chicken breasts.

Get ready to impress everyone with this restaurant-quality dish!

Golden Tips for Stuffed Chicken Perfection

• Pat chicken breasts dry before butterflying to ensure a crisp, golden-brown sear and prevent excess moisture.
• Choose high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in olive oil for more intense flavor and richness.
• Chop spinach and sun-dried tomatoes finely to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the stuffing.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe and perfectly cooked meat.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta or goat cheese for unique flavor variations.

Flavor Variations for Stuffed Chicken Breast

• Mediterranean Flair: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate fresh basil leaves for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños, swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili flakes to create a zesty, heat-packed chicken breast.
• Mushroom Lover's: Substitute spinach with sautéed wild mushrooms, use gruyère cheese, and add fresh thyme for an earthy, rich flavor profile.
• Protein Power: Incorporate quinoa into the filling, add diced grilled chicken, and mix with low-fat cottage cheese for a protein-packed alternative.

Pairing Picks for Stuffed Chicken Delight

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich cheese and complements the delicate chicken flavors.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve a zesty lemon-infused sparkling water or light white wine spritzer that enhances the sun-dried tomato's tangy profile.
• Perfect Side Companion: Prepare roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant that echo the Italian-inspired herb and cheese notes of the chicken.
• Herb-Infused Complement: Create a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast against the stuffed chicken's creamy, savory filling.

How to Keep Stuffed Chicken Moist After Cooking

• Refrigerate: Store leftover stuffed chicken breasts in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Wrap individual chicken breasts tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
• Reheating Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the exterior.
• Microwave Option: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Stuffed Chicken Breast: Common Questions

• How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part. The chicken should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes have too much moisture and will make the filling soggy. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor and perfect texture for this recipe.

• What if I don't have an oven-safe skillet?

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish before putting it in the oven. Just ensure the dish can withstand high temperatures and is large enough to hold the chicken breasts.

• Is there a trick to butterfly the chicken breast without cutting all the way through?

Use a sharp knife and place your hand flat on top of the chicken breast.

Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent chicken breasts reveal a Mediterranean-inspired “Sun-Dried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken” with luxurious flavor combinations. Juicy chicken promises a delightful culinary experience you can savor with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Filling Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (40 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup (56 grams) mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup (25 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Toothpicks (for sealing the chicken)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature for the chicken.
2. Carefully slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a delicate pocket without completely separating the halves.
3. Combine sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, crushed garlic, and Italian herbs in a mixing bowl, blending flavors thoroughly.
4. Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared mixture, ensuring even distribution.
5. Secure the stuffed chicken openings using toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
6. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, creating a perfect searing surface.
7. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper, enhancing the natural flavors.
8. Sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
9. Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, continuing cooking for 20-25 minutes.
10. Verify chicken is fully cooked by checking that the center is no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
11. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving to prevent any unexpected bites.

Notes

• Check chicken thickness before butterflying to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more vibrant flavor and aromatic profile.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
• For a low-carb option, substitute cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg