Name: Stuffed Chicken Breast
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; For the Filling: 8 oz cream cheese; 2 cups cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta); 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme); Salt and pepper, to taste

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tender and Juicy Chicken: The chicken breasts are perfectly cooked with a flavorful filling.
Creative Fillings: Customize the filling with ingredients like spinach, cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and ingredients, you can create a gourmet meal at home.
Versatile: Pair it with various sides like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or rice for a complete meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well for leftovers and can be frozen for future meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or feta)
1 tablespoon fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or thyme)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare the Chicken Breasts:
- Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet or rolling pin to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
Make the Filling:
- In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cooked spinach, minced garlic, shredded cheese, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
Stuff the Chicken:
- Spoon 1/3 cup of the filling onto the center of each chicken breast.
- Fold the sides of the chicken over the filling and roll tightly.
- Secure the chicken with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
Season and Cook:
- Brush the outside of each chicken breast with olive oil.
- Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Remove toothpicks or twine before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Vegetable Fillings: Add other vegetables like roasted peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with different cheeses such as goat cheese or ricotta.
Spicy Version: Add a touch of chili flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap each stuffed chicken breast in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water before using.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and filling ahead of time and bake when ready to serve.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Conclusion

Stuffed Chicken Breasts are a versatile and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a weeknight meal, this dish is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste. With its juicy chicken and savory filling, it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite!