Description
Succulent “Stuffed Chicken with Spinach” brings Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table with elegant simplicity. Herb-infused cheese and tender spinach create a delightful filling that promises a memorable culinary experience you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 large chicken breasts
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella or feta cheese
Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a moderate temperature, preparing it for roasting the chicken.
- Create a luscious filling by blending verdant spinach with creamy soft cheese, melty shredded cheese, and aromatic minced garlic.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, creating a deep pocket without piercing through the entire meat.
- Generously pack the spinach-cheese mixture into the chicken’s cavity, ensuring even distribution.
- Seal the pocket openings with toothpicks to prevent the filling from escaping during cooking.
- Enhance the exterior with a robust blend of smoky paprika, freshly ground black pepper, mineral-rich salt, and pungent onion powder.
- Heat a skillet with a drizzle of golden olive oil, then quickly sear the chicken to develop a golden-brown crust and lock in flavors.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a baking vessel, positioning it carefully for even heat circulation.
- Roast in the preheated oven until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature, ensuring tender, fully cooked meat.
- Allow the chicken to rest briefly, letting the juices redistribute and intensify the overall taste.
- Remove toothpicks, slice with precision, and serve the aromatic, cheese-stuffed chicken to eager diners.
Notes
- Create deep, even pockets in chicken breasts to ensure maximum filling without tearing the meat, which helps distribute flavors evenly.
- Use softened cream cheese for smoother blending and easier stuffing, preventing lumpy texture in the filling.
- Drain excess moisture from spinach before mixing to prevent soggy chicken and maintain a rich, concentrated filling.
- Consider alternative cheese options like goat cheese or ricotta for different flavor profiles while maintaining creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg