Description
Succulent spinach stuffed chicken breast delivers a gourmet experience with Mediterranean flair. Creamy herbed filling nestled inside tender chicken creates an elegant dinner that delights senses and satisfies hunger with sophisticated simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 (8 ounces / 226 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium Roma tomato, sliced into 8 thin slices
Instructions
- Warm the oven to a high temperature of 450°F, preparing for a crisp and golden chicken finish.
- Carefully pat chicken breasts until completely dry, then generously season with sea salt and black pepper across both surfaces.
- Slice a horizontal pocket into each chicken breast using a sharp knife, creating a spacious cavity for the delectable filling.
- Wilt the chopped spinach quickly through microwave steaming or stovetop sautéing until tender and reduced in volume.
- Allow spinach to cool completely, then thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery filling.
- Combine softened cream cheese with minced garlic, creating a smooth and fragrant base for the stuffing mixture.
- Fold shredded mozzarella and the prepared spinach into the cream cheese blend, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Carefully stuff each chicken breast pocket with the spinach-cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks to prevent leakage.
- Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat, preparing for a golden sear.
- Sear stuffed chicken breasts until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Crown each chicken breast with fresh tomato slices and an additional sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer the skillet directly into the preheated oven, roasting until chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Optional: Activate the broiler for 1-3 minutes to achieve a perfectly golden and bubbling cheese topping.
- Remove toothpicks before serving the hot, aromatic chicken breasts.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to prevent a soggy filling and ensure a perfect texture in your stuffed chicken.
- Searing Technique: Browning the chicken in a cast iron skillet creates a delicious golden crust that locks in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Always use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, aiming for 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy results.
- Toothpick Trick: Secure the stuffed pocket with toothpicks positioned horizontally to keep the cheesy spinach filling from leaking during cooking.
- Cheese Topping Option: For a restaurant-style presentation, quickly broil the chicken for 1-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully golden and bubbly cheese crust.
- Versatile Dish: Feel free to swap mozzarella with other melting cheeses like provolone or fontina for a personalized twist on this classic recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 391
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 668 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 107 mg