Description
This stuffed chicken breasts recipe features tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs. The chicken is first seared to achieve a golden crust and then baked to perfection, resulting in a flavorful, juicy main course perfect for a healthy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, chopped fresh spinach, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined to create a creamy and flavorful filling.
- Prepare the chicken: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the side of each boneless, skinless chicken breast, being careful not to slice all the way through. This pocket will hold the cheese and spinach filling.
- Stuff the chicken: Stuff each chicken breast evenly with the prepared cheese-spinach mixture. Use toothpicks to secure the opening if necessary to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until they develop a golden brown crust.
- Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared stuffed chicken breasts to the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, place the chicken in a baking dish. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Remove any toothpicks used, slice if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For variation, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or cooked bacon to the filling.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad for a balanced meal.
- Be careful when slicing the pocket into the chicken breasts to avoid cutting all the way through.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
