Description
This Spinach Stuffed Chicken combines tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, all seared to golden perfection and finished in the oven. It’s a hearty yet elegant dish, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (butterflied)
- Salt and black pepper (for seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
For the Spinach Filling:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Garnish & Sauce:
- Fresh thyme or parsley
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or cream
Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Butterfly each chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
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Make the Spinach Filling: Sauté garlic in butter, then add spinach and cook until wilted. Combine with cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and optional red pepper flakes.
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Stuff the Chicken: Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast and secure with toothpicks or twine.
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Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet and sear each side of the chicken for 3–4 minutes, until golden brown.
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Bake to Finish: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Optional Pan Sauce: Deglaze the pan with lemon juice or white wine, add broth or cream, and simmer to create a light sauce. Serve over the chicken.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes