spinach stuffed chicken

Spinach stuffed chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful filling of spinach, cream cheese, and herbs. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it’s sure to impress your family or guests with its vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Medium

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Spinach Filling:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or dried basil and oregano)
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Equipment Needed

• Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing the chicken)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Cook the Spinach: If using fresh spinach, sauté it in a skillet over medium heat for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture.

2. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Chicken Breasts: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each chicken breast. Start at the thickest part and cut horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.

3. Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Stuff the Chicken

1. Fill the Chicken: Spoon the spinach filling into each chicken breast pocket, using toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the openings if necessary.

2. Sear the Chicken: In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

1. Transfer to Oven: Once the chicken is seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven (or place the chicken in a baking dish if you used a different skillet).

2. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Serve

1. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Slice and Plate: Carefully slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve them with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

3. Enjoy: Enjoy the delicious flavors of spinach stuffed chicken!

Tips for Perfect Spinach Stuffed Chicken

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and herbs will enhance the flavor of the filling. If using frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix and match cheeses in the filling. Feta cheese or goat cheese can add a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: You can incorporate other vegetables into the filling, such as sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts, for added flavor and texture.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the proper internal temperature for safe consumption.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional information per serving (1 stuffed chicken breast):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 36g
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 110mg
• Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg

Note:

Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Always consult a nutritionist for personalized dietary advice.

Conclusion

Spinach stuffed chicken is a delightful and healthy dish that combines the savory flavors of cheese and spinach with tender chicken. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for an impressive presentation at the dinner table. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family and friends and savor the delightful combination of flavors