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If you love the perfect marriage of creamy, tangy cheese with vibrant spinach tucked inside juicy chicken breasts, you are going to adore this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe. This dish brings together rich, earthy mushrooms and sweet, tender caramelized onions, making every bite a delightful harmony of flavors. It’s elegant enough for a special dinner, yet easy enough to make on a weeknight, ensuring that you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish just right means focusing on fresh, simple ingredients that bring each element to life. Each plays a starring role in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color.
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4-6 ounces each): The base of the dish, providing juicy protein perfect for stuffing.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Essential for cooking and bringing out the natural flavors without overpowering.
- 4 cups organic spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant green and a subtle earthy taste that complements the cheese.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle savory note to the spinach without being too strong.
- 2 ounces goat cheese: Creamy and tangy, it melts into the spinach creating luscious stuffing.
- 1 white onion, sliced: The secret to caramelized sweetness that elevates the dish.
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms: Bring an earthy depth and meaty texture to pair beautifully with the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme: A fragrant herb that brightens the caramelized onion and mushroom mixture.
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar: Adds a subtle tang and complexity to the caramelized vegetables.
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste: To season and enhance every layer of flavor.
How to Make Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready when the chicken is stuffed and seared. Carefully make about 6 slits in the top of each chicken breast using a sharp knife, making sure not to cut all the way through. This creates perfect pockets for the filling and ensures the chicken cooks evenly while staying juicy.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Drizzle ½ tablespoon of olive oil over each chicken breast and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. This simple seasoning step enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and preps it to take on the rich stuffing beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Spinach
Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the spinach and sprinkle with garlic powder. Cook while stirring occasionally until the spinach wilts down into a tender, flavorful base for the stuffing. Once cooked, transfer it to a medium bowl to cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix in the Goat Cheese
While the spinach is still warm, stir in the goat cheese until well combined. The cheese melts into the spinach creating a creamy, tangy filling that makes this Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe truly special.
Step 5: Stuff the Chicken Breasts
Take care as you stuff each slit in the chicken breasts with the silky spinach and goat cheese mixture. This step requires a gentle touch but is so rewarding—you’ll see the rich filling peek through the slits, promising deliciousness in every bite.
Step 6: Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced onions, baby bella mushrooms, fresh thyme, and, if you like, a splash of balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. The onions will slowly caramelize to a golden sweetness while the mushrooms turn tender and golden brown, adding lush texture and flavor to accompany the chicken.
Step 7: Bake the Chicken
Push the onion and mushroom mixture to the edges of the skillet, making space for the stuffed chicken breasts. Nestle them evenly with some space in between so they cook perfectly. Slide the skillet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking to seal in that juicy goodness.
How to Serve Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or additional thyme over the top brightens the dish and adds a fresh pop of color that’s inviting on the plate. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or extra virgin olive oil can also lend a graceful finish that makes the flavors linger beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides that let it shine: think creamy mashed potatoes, garlic roasted asparagus, or even a quinoa salad tossed with lemon and herbs. These sides add texture and a complementary freshness that balances the richness of the stuffed chicken and caramelized vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor, slice the chicken breasts crosswise after resting and fan the pieces slightly on each plate. Top with a spoonful of the caramelized onion and mushroom mixture to create height and visual appeal. Serving on a bed of lightly sautéed greens or polenta can turn this into a stunning centerpiece for any meal occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain flavorful and moist for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners during the week without any loss of deliciousness.
Freezing
You can freeze the stuffed chicken breasts if you want to make this recipe ahead of time. Wrap each breast tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the leftovers gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the chicken’s juice and the creamy texture of the goat cheese filling without drying it out, keeping your meal tasting freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use fresh spinach instead of organic?
Absolutely! Fresh spinach works just as well and will wilt nicely for the stuffing. Organic spinach is simply a choice for those wanting to avoid pesticides, but the flavor won’t be compromised by using fresh spinach.
Is goat cheese the only cheese that works for this recipe?
Goat cheese adds a unique tang and creaminess here, but you can substitute with feta for a similar texture or cream cheese if you prefer something milder and extra smooth.
Can I prepare this recipe without an ovenproof skillet?
If you don’t have an ovenproof skillet, you can cook the onions and mushrooms in a regular pan, then transfer them and the chicken breasts to a baking dish before placing in the oven.
What’s the best way to make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Be careful not to overcook the chicken—using a meat thermometer to hit 165°F ensures it’s safely cooked while still tender. Also, letting the chicken rest after baking allows the juices to settle.
Can I add other vegetables to the caramelized mixture?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, shallots, or even a handful of sun-dried tomatoes to add your own twist to the caramelized onions and mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this incredible Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe, I encourage you to give it a try soon. It’s a beautiful dish that turns everyday ingredients into something truly special, perfect for sharing and enjoying with those you love. Trust me, this will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for both comfort and elegance.
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Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast with Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Goat Cheese & Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy goat cheese and spinach filling, complemented by sweet caramelized onions and savory mushrooms. Baked to perfection, it makes for a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a wholesome dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Filling
- 4 chicken breasts (about 4–6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 4 cups organic spinach
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- Freshly ground salt and pepper, to taste
Caramelized Onions and Mushrooms
- 1 white onion, sliced
- 8 ounces sliced baby bella mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- Optional: 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Breasts: Using a sharp knife, carefully make six slits on the top of each chicken breast, making sure not to cut all the way through to create pockets for the stuffing.
- Season Chicken: Drizzle each chicken breast with ½ tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Set the chicken aside while preparing the filling.
- Cook Spinach: Heat a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat and add ½ tablespoon olive oil. Add the spinach and sprinkle it with garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted. Transfer the spinach to a medium bowl.
- Mix Filling: Stir the goat cheese into the cooked spinach until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Stuff Chicken: Carefully fill each slit in the chicken breasts with the spinach and goat cheese mixture, ensuring the filling is evenly distributed.
- Caramelize Onions and Mushrooms: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced onions, mushrooms, fresh thyme, balsamic vinegar (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until onions are caramelized and mushrooms turn golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Arrange Chicken in Skillet: Push the caramelized onions and mushrooms to the sides of the skillet to create space. Place the stuffed chicken breasts in the center of the skillet, spaced apart to allow for even cooking.
- Bake the Chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the chicken breasts when creating slits to keep the stuffing in place.
- Using an ovenproof skillet allows you to easily transfer the pan from stovetop to oven, saving cleanup and making cooking easier.
- Optional balsamic vinegar adds a slight tangy sweetness to the caramelized onions and mushrooms but can be omitted if preferred.
- You can substitute baby bella mushrooms with cremini or white button mushrooms if desired.
- Allow the chicken to rest after baking for the best juicy and tender results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
