Description

Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts are more than just a meal; they’re a delightful experience that combines succulent chicken with a rich, creamy filling. Originating from a desire to make chicken dishes more exciting, this recipe has become a favorite among those looking to elevate their dinner game.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Breasts:

3 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1 3/4 to 2 lbs, even-sized pieces)

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp paprika

1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil

For the Filling:

4 oz cream cheese, cold

1 Tbsp mayonnaise

2 garlic cloves, pressed

1/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped

1/4 cup mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425˚F with a rack in the center. In a mixing bowl, mash together cream cheese, mayo, garlic, mozzarella, parmesan, and chopped spinach leaves until combined.

Lay chicken on a flat surface and cut a slit 3/4 of the way through without cutting all the way through. Stuff each chicken breast with 1/3 of the mixture and seal horizontally with a toothpick.

Season the outside of the chicken breast all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Heat olive oil in an oven-proof pan over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté for 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Flip a second time and immediately transfer skillet to preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers at 165˚F.

Rest chicken 5 minutes before slicing. Spoon pan juices over chicken to serve.

Notes

Choosing the Right Chicken: Opt for evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure uniform cooking. If the breasts are too thick, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness for consistent results.
Securing the Filling: To prevent the cheese filling from leaking out during cooking, secure the edges of the chicken breasts with toothpicks. Remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
Resting Time is Key: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices within the meat, ensuring a moist and tender result.
Adjusting for Dietary Needs: This recipe is adaptable to various dietary preferences. For a lower fat option, consider using reduced-fat cheeses. To make it dairy-free, explore plant-based cheese alternatives that melt well.
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices in the filling. Adding a bit of fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary can introduce a new flavor profile to the dish.

Prep Time: 7 minutes
Cook Time: 23 minutes
Category: Chicken
Cuisine: American