Description
Succulent chicken breasts become a culinary masterpiece when stuffed with rich, melted cheese and savory herbs. Crispy golden exterior gives way to a juicy, flavorful interior that promises a delightful dining experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) mozzarella cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup (59 ml) parmesan cheese (grated)
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup (237 ml) spinach (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the kitchen workspace and gather all necessary cooking tools for precise chicken preparation.
- Carefully butterfly chicken breasts, creating a pocket for stuffing while maintaining an intact bottom edge.
- Create a flavorful filling by combining fresh spinach leaves, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely chopped garlic into a cohesive mixture.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the prepared spinach and cheese blend, ensuring even distribution throughout the pocket.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts with toothpicks to prevent filling from escaping during cooking.
- Season the exterior of the chicken with a balanced blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then lightly coat with extra virgin olive oil.
- Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture.
- Transfer the seared chicken to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven to redistribute internal juices.
- Carefully remove toothpicks, slice the chicken diagonally, and plate for serving.
Notes
- Opt for fresh, high-quality spinach to enhance the filling’s flavor and nutrition.
- Use a sharp knife when butterflying chicken breasts to ensure even, clean cuts without tearing the meat.
- For a low-carb version, replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast for similar richness.
- To prevent dryness, avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg