Description
Succulent Italian-style Stuffed Chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with rich herbed cheese and tender meat. Crispy golden edges and creamy interior promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheeses:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 cup fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed, and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter
Optional:
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), preparing a culinary stage for succulent stuffed chicken.
- Combine spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl, creating a luscious filling with harmonious flavors.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast, slicing horizontally to form a delicate pocket without completely separating the meat.
- Generously fill the chicken pockets with the prepared spinach-cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution and sealing the edges with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Enhance the exterior with a robust seasoning of paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a flavorful crust.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, expertly searing the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown exterior develops.
- Transition the skillet directly into the preheated oven, allowing the chicken to roast for 20-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from the oven, let the chicken rest briefly to redistribute internal juices, then present the aromatic, cheese-filled masterpiece hot and ready to serve.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and consistent stuffing distribution.
- Pat chicken breasts dry before slicing to help prevent moisture and achieve better searing results.
- Gently press stuffing mixture into pocket without overfilling to prevent spillage during cooking.
- Consider using low-fat cream cheese and part-skim mozzarella for a lighter version of this dish.
- For gluten-free option, verify all ingredient labels and replace any potential gluten-containing seasonings.
- Dairy-free modification can include using cashew cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheeses.
- Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can elevate the flavor profile of the spinach and cheese mixture.
- Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg