Description
Succulent Stuffed Chicken Breasts blend Mediterranean flavors with tender chicken and rich cheese fillings. Elegant dining meets simple preparation, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each perfectly seasoned bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup (237 ml) spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) feta cheese, crumbled
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly coat a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Create a vibrant filling by combining finely chopped spinach, diced sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and minced garlic in a mixing bowl, blending the ingredients until well incorporated.
- Carefully slice a deep pocket into the side of each chicken breast, ensuring not to cut completely through, creating a spacious cavity for the filling.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast pocket with the prepared spinach mixture, using a spoon to pack it tightly and evenly.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts by threading toothpicks or tying kitchen twine around the opening to keep the filling intact during cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle with dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Arrange the seasoned stuffed chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are not touching each other for even cooking.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and appears golden brown on the exterior.
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Carefully remove the toothpicks or kitchen twine, slice the chicken breasts, and serve immediately for a delicious and impressive meal.
Notes
- Choose tender, even-sized chicken breasts for consistent cooking and easier stuffing.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before cutting pockets to ensure better seasoning adherence and prevent moisture interference.
- Use sharp kitchen scissors or a thin knife for creating clean, precise pockets without tearing the meat.
- Squeeze excess moisture from spinach to prevent watery filling and maintain stuffing’s robust texture.
- Try alternative cheese options like goat cheese or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free version, replace any potential wheat-based ingredients with certified gluten-free alternatives.
- Consider adding pine nuts or chopped almonds to filling for extra crunch and nutritional boost.
- Ensure toothpicks are heat-resistant or use kitchen twine to secure stuffing safely during baking.
- Check internal temperature with a reliable meat thermometer to guarantee chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Allow chicken to rest 5-7 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 235 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg