Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese is a delightful dish that's both impressive and straightforward to make. It's a perfect blend of juicy chicken, savory cheeses, and nutritious spinach, making it a versatile choice for any occasion.

Ingredients for Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

Chicken breasts are the star of the show here. Their mild flavor provides a blank canvas for the stuffing. Olive oil adds a subtle richness while helping to sauté the garlic and spinach. When garlic is minced and sautéed, it creates a fragrant base for the filling. The spinach wilts beautifully, blending with the cheeses to make a creamy, flavorful stuffing. Mozzarella cheese gives a gooey, melty texture, while Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, savory note. Italian seasoning ties everything together with its blend of herbs. Finally, you'll want to season with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Use toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the stuffed chicken, so none of that delicious filling escapes.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a sharp knife to easily cut pockets in the chicken without tearing.
  • If the cheese mixture is too warm and runny, let it cool a bit more before stuffing.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed chicken pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. You might also enjoy it with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a light pasta dish tossed in olive oil and herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
What if I don't have Italian seasoning?
You can make your own with a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
How do I know if the chicken is cooked through?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

First, you'll want to get your oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). This way, it's ready to go once you've prepared the chicken. Grab a trusty skillet and heat up the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sauté until you can smell its wonderful aroma, which should take about a minute.

Next, add the spinach to the skillet. Stir it around until it wilts down. This usually takes just a couple of minutes. Once wilted, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool for a moment. Mix in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This mixture will be your delicious stuffing.

Now, take each chicken breast and carefully cut a horizontal slit along the thin side to create a pocket. Be gentle and try not to cut all the way through. Stuff each pocket with the spinach and cheese mixture, then secure the opening with toothpicks to keep everything inside.

With the chicken stuffed, sprinkle some salt, pepper, and a little more Italian seasoning over the outside of the breasts. Place them in a baking dish and pop them into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is delightfully bubbly.

Once out of the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside, making every bite succulent and tasty.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Perfectly juicy and flavorful.
  • A great way to incorporate greens into your meal.
  • Elegant enough for entertaining guests.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh spinach leaves
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Toothpicks or kitchen twine

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Cut a horizontal slit along the thin side of each chicken breast to form a pocket.
6. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
7. Season the outside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning.
8. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
9. Let rest for a few minutes before serving.

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