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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe


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4 from 64 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast recipe offers a perfect blend of tender chicken filled with a creamy mixture of spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Searing the chicken to a golden brown before baking ensures a flavorful crust while keeping the filling moist and delicious. A delightful and satisfying dinner option that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Filling

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine for securing the chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
  2. Prepare Filling: In a bowl, mix chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  3. Create Chicken Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast, ensuring not to slice all the way through.
  4. Stuff Chicken: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, packing it tightly. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep the filling inside during cooking.
  5. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear each stuffed chicken breast for 2 to 3 minutes per side until a golden-brown crust forms, enhancing flavor and texture.
  6. Bake Chicken: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in moist, tender meat before serving.

Notes

  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
  • Replacing spinach with kale or arugula can provide a different flavor profile.
  • Oven-safe skillet is key for searing on stovetop then finishing in the oven.
  • To avoid filling leakage, secure chicken pockets well with toothpicks or twine.
  • Leftover stuffed chicken can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American