Description
This Sundried Tomato, Spinach, and Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a flavorful and cheesy dish perfect for a wholesome dinner. Tender chicken breasts are stuffed with a rich mixture of sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a blend of creamy cheeses, then seared to a golden brown and baked to juicy perfection. A deliciously satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toothpicks (for securing chicken)
Stuffing
- 1 cup spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen, squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil or rehydrated)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the stuffed chicken breasts.
- Prepare Stuffing Mixture: In a bowl, combine chopped spinach, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well-incorporated.
- Create Chicken Pockets: With a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket lengthwise into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through, creating space for the stuffing.
- Stuff Chicken: Spoon the prepared spinach and cheese mixture into each chicken breast pocket, filling evenly. Secure the openings with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside while cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Bake in Oven: Transfer the skillet with the seared chicken breasts into the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Carefully remove the toothpicks before serving the stuffed chicken breasts hot.
Notes
- Squeeze excess water from frozen spinach to avoid soggy stuffing.
- If sundried tomatoes are dry, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through for safety.
- The toothpicks help keep the stuffing intact during cooking and should be removed before eating.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
