Herbed Chicken with Spinach Filling

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Herbed Chicken with Spinach Filling is a savory dish that combines the earthiness of fresh herbs and spinach with creamy cheeses, all encased in tender chicken. It's a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, bringing a touch of elegance to your table without much fuss.

Ingredients for Herbed Chicken with Spinach Filling

The star of the show is the chicken breasts. They're the perfect canvas for stuffing and hold up well during cooking. The spinach provides a nutrient-packed green layer to the filling, offering a subtle earthiness. Ricotta cheese adds creaminess, while Parmesan cheese introduces a salty, nutty flavor. Garlic powder and dried basil infuse the dish with aromatic depth. Finally, a touch of salt and black pepper ensures all the flavors pop, and olive oil helps achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a sharp knife to cut the pockets, which helps prevent accidental tears.
  • If you're short on time, you can prepare the filling a day in advance.
  • Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get that perfect sear.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. A crusty loaf of bread can also complement the creamy filling, perfect for soaking up any delicious juices left on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What if I don't have ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese or cream cheese can be good substitutes, though they may alter the texture slightly.

Herbed Chicken with Spinach Filling Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. This ensures it's ready to go once your chicken is seared and stuffed. In a medium bowl, combine your chopped spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Mix them well until you have a nice, even filling.

Next, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side. Be cautious here — you want enough room for the filling without slicing all the way through. Spoon the spinach mixture into each pocket, then secure the edges with toothpicks to hold everything together.

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, place the stuffed chicken breasts in the pan. Sear them for about 3 minutes on each side, just until they're golden brown. This step locks in the juices and gives the chicken a beautiful color.

Transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. You'll know it's done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before serving, allowing all the juices to redistribute.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The filling is creamy and flavorful, adding a delightful surprise to every bite.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Impressively delicious yet straightforward enough for beginner cooks.

Ingredients

4 boneless chicken breasts
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Cut a pocket into each chicken breast and stuff with the spinach mixture.
4. Secure the pockets with toothpicks.
5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
6. Sear chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side.
7. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked through.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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