Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella. Perfectly seared on the stove and finished in the oven, this dish is flavorful, comforting, and easy to prepare in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks (for securing)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Create Chicken Pockets: Carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through, to hold the filling securely.
- Sauté Spinach: Heat a pan over medium heat and sauté the fresh spinach until wilted, about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Stuff Chicken Breasts: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, filling them evenly.
- Secure and Season: Use toothpicks to close the pockets and secure the filling. Season the outside of each chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Sear Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and cook the chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to a baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are cooked through.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks carefully, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then serve warm for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if thawed and well-drained.
- Make sure not to overstuff the chicken breasts to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Adjust seasoning in the filling mixture according to taste.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking to retain its juices and improve tenderness.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
