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
Scale
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
