Description
Culinary magic unfolds with this mouthwatering stuffed chicken breast delight, blending savory herbs and creamy cheese in a perfectly roasted masterpiece. Mediterranean flavors dance across each tender slice, promising an elegant dining experience you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
MAIN INGREDIENTS:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
SEASONING INGREDIENTS:
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
FINISHING INGREDIENTS:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Carefully slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut completely through the meat, creating a spacious cavity for the flavorful filling.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until the mixture achieves a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Generously fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach and cheese mixture, using toothpicks to secure the opening and prevent spillage during cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) while heating olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Gently place the stuffed chicken breasts into the hot skillet, searing each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust develops, creating a delectable exterior.
- Carefully transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Remove the skillet from the oven, extract the toothpicks, and sprinkle fresh parsley over the chicken for a vibrant garnish.
- Plate the stuffed chicken breasts and serve immediately alongside your preferred accompaniments, ensuring a delightful and aromatic meal.
Notes
- Select chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve better golden-brown searing and prevent steaming.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
- Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free option, replace toothpicks with kitchen twine or carefully seal stuffed chicken with wooden skewers.
- Reduce calories by using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella without compromising delicious taste.
- Create keto-friendly version by using almond flour or crushed pork rinds as optional crispy coating.
- Prepare extra filling mixture for quick meal prep or use as delightful spread on crackers or vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg