Description
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast is a savory dish featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, cheesy stuffing made from spinach, cheese, and herbs. Baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a weeknight meal. With rich flavors and a satisfying filling, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the stuffed chicken breasts:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
-
Salt and black pepper, to taste
-
1 teaspoon garlic powder
-
1 teaspoon onion powder
-
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
For the filling:
-
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
-
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
-
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan)
-
1/4 cup ricotta cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or basil for a different flavor)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
For the topping (optional):
-
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
-
Pat the chicken breasts dry and carefully cut a pocket in the side of each chicken breast. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano.
-
In a skillet, sauté the spinach (if using fresh) until wilted, then let it cool slightly.
-
In a bowl, mix the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, ricotta cheese (optional), garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the filling.
-
Stuff each chicken breast with the filling and secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
-
Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side.
-
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy crust.
-
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, remove the toothpicks, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve.
Notes
You can substitute spinach with other vegetables like mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.This recipe can be customized with different cheeses, like gouda, cheddar, or feta.