Description
Mediterranean-inspired Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast delivers a delightful blend of fresh herbs and creamy cheese within tender chicken. Wholesome ingredients and simple preparation make this elegant dish perfect for home cooks seeking restaurant-quality flavor you’ll savor with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 2 pounds or 907 grams)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Filling and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) yellow onion, small diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 5 ounces (142 grams) fresh baby spinach
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated parmesan cheese
Oil:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Craft a zesty seasoning mixture by whisking olive oil with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small mixing bowl.
- Thoroughly massage the aromatic seasoning blend across each chicken breast, ensuring even coating.
- Warm olive oil in a skillet and sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and fragrant.
- Introduce fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring continuously until the leaves wilt and release their moisture.
- Remove skillet from heat and gently fold cream cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan into the wilted spinach, creating a creamy, luxurious filling.
- Carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each seasoned chicken breast, being mindful not to cut completely through.
- Generously fill each pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture, pressing gently to seal the opening.
- Transfer the stuffed chicken breasts to a prepared baking dish, arranging them with space between each piece.
- Roast in a preheated 375°F oven for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature and develops a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps redistribute the juices and maintain moisture.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket without cutting all the way through, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Use fresh spinach for a vibrant, crisp texture and brighter flavor compared to frozen spinach, which can be watery and less flavorful.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help the spice blend adhere better and create a more even, flavorful crust.
- Check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for safe, perfectly cooked chicken that remains juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 487
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 641 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 138 mg