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.
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.
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.
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.