Description
Succulent Mediterranean stuffed chicken breast delivers a flavor explosion of sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and creamy feta cheese. Robust herbs and simple ingredients combine to create a restaurant-quality meal that will transport taste buds to Greece’s culinary landscape.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese:
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Vegetables:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal cooking.
- Create a delicate pocket in each chicken breast by carefully slicing along the side, maintaining the integrity of the meat.
- Combine the filling ingredients in a mixing bowl, blending spinach, mozzarella, feta (or Parmesan), minced garlic, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Enhance with a delicate sprinkle of salt and pepper.
- Carefully stuff each chicken breast with the vibrant green mixture, using toothpicks to seal the opening and prevent filling from escaping.
- Ignite a skillet over medium-high heat, searing the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Carefully transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish, placing in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
- Extract the toothpicks, allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then serve piping hot.
Notes
- Slice chicken breasts carefully to create an even pocket without cutting through, ensuring the filling stays inside during cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness, preventing dry or undercooked chicken and guaranteeing food safety.
- Try alternative cheese combinations like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles that complement the spinach filling.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or skip breading entirely, focusing on the rich, cheesy spinach stuffing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 298 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 302 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg