Description
A delicious and creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a flavorful blend of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Perfectly seasoned and baked to juicy perfection, this dish makes an easy yet impressive main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Filling:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is creamy and well combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast, making sure not to slice all the way through. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stuff the chicken: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the spinach and cheese filling into each chicken breast pocket. If needed, secure the edges using toothpicks to hold the filling inside during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the filling to set.
Notes
- The filling can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- For extra flavor and a crispy exterior, wrap each stuffed chicken breast with a slice of prosciutto before searing.
- Make sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness to ensure perfectly cooked chicken.
