If you’re looking to impress your family or guests with a dish that’s both elegant and bursting with flavor, then our Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach is just what you need! This Italian-inspired recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a creamy, savory filling of fresh spinach and cheese that will leave everyone asking for seconds. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a total cooking time of under an hour, you’ll have a gourmet meal on the table in no time. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly until ingredients are well incorporated.
- Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to create a horizontal pocket in each breast. Be careful not to cut all the way through, leaving about 1/2 inch uncut on the sides.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if needed.
- Season the outside of the chicken breasts with remaining salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Transfer seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking sheet and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and high-quality cream cheese. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste!
- Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, overstuffing can cause the chicken to burst during cooking. Aim for a generous but manageable amount.
- Sear for Flavor: Searing the chicken breasts in a hot skillet before baking not only adds a beautiful golden crust but also locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the chicken to rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan cheese can elevate the dish’s presentation and make it even more appetizing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 40g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 125mg
