Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts Recipe
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts is a savory and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy and cheesy spinach filling. This recipe is perfect for those seeking a delicious and wholesome meal that is both easy to prepare and visually appealing. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Equipment
- Oven-proof skillet or pan
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
- Toothpicks
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 ½ Tbsp olive oil
For the Filling:
- 4 oz cream cheese cold
- 1 Tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves pressed
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach leaves chopped
- ¼ cup mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425˚F (220˚C).
Prepare the Filling:
- In a mixing bowl, mash together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, pressed garlic, and salt.
- Stir in the chopped spinach, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese until well combined.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Lay the chicken breasts flat on a cutting board.
- Using a sharp knife, cut a slit about ¾ of the way through each breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Stuff the Chicken:
- Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the cheese-spinach mixture.
- Seal the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
Season the Chicken:
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Sear the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in an oven-proof pan over medium heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts and sauté for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Bake:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165˚F (74˚C).
Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before removing the toothpicks.
- Slice and serve with your choice of sides.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic butter pasta.
- Drizzle with pan juices for added flavor.
Tips:
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest after baking for juicier meat.
- Adjust the filling ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Notes
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute spinach with kale or other greens. Different types of cheese can also be used based on preference.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop for best results. Microwave reheating is not recommended as it may dry out the chicken.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before or after cooking. If freezing after cooking, ensure it cools down completely before freezing.
