Description
Succulent chicken breasts filled with creamy cheesy spinach stuffed chicken breasts deliver a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired dinner. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, this protein-packed meal will delight your taste buds with rich, comforting flavors you can savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 large chicken breasts, boneless, skinless (1.75 to 2 pounds / 794 to 907 grams)
Filling Cheeses:
- 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, cold
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (25 grams) parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 1/2 cups baby spinach leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend cream cheese, mayonnaise, minced garlic, shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, and finely chopped spinach into a smooth, uniform filling mixture.
- Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing horizontally, creating a deep pocket without cutting completely through the meat.
- Generously stuff each chicken breast with an equal portion of the prepared cheese and spinach mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the stuffed chicken breasts closed with toothpicks to prevent filling from leaking during cooking.
- Liberally season the exterior of each chicken breast with a blend of salt, freshly ground black pepper, granulated garlic, and smoky paprika.
- Warm olive oil in a heavy oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Gently place seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet, cooking for approximately 4 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the entire skillet directly into a preheated 425˚F oven, roasting for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165˚F.
- Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after removing from oven, which helps redistribute internal juices and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Drizzle pan drippings over the chicken before serving to enhance flavor and moisture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking and consistent stuffing.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and create a crispy exterior.
- Use toothpicks carefully when sealing stuffed chicken to prevent losing delicious filling during cooking.
- Monitor internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking, which can make chicken dry and tough.
- Customize spinach mixture by adding herbs like basil or chives for extra flavor complexity.
- Select full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent stuffing that holds together better.
- Replace mozzarella with feta or goat cheese for a tangier Mediterranean-inspired variation.
- Opt for fresh spinach instead of frozen to reduce excess moisture in the filling.
- For low-carb diets, ensure all ingredients are compliant and skip any breadcrumb coating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg