– **Title**: Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup spinach, chopped
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the spinach, cream cheese, feta cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly combined.
3. With a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each chicken breast. Make sure not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, securing the opening with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the stuffed chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper, and then sear them in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until they are golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before removing toothpicks.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious stuffed chicken breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using chicken thighs for juiciness, or even turkey cutlets if you prefer a leaner meat.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice color and flavor. You can use frozen spinach as a substitute; just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the mix.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. If you want a lower-fat option, use Neufchâtel cheese. For a non-dairy choice, try cashew cream or a dairy-free cream cheese.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a salty and tangy flavor. If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese works great too, or crumble up some cotija cheese for a similar taste.
Sundried Tomatoes: These add a sweet and tangy punch. If you don’t have them, try using roasted red peppers for a different flavor that’s just as delightful.
How Do I Get My Chicken Breasts to Have Even Thickness?
Pounding chicken breasts to even thickness helps them cook evenly. It can be a little intimidating, but it’s simple!
- Lay the chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid mess.
- Use a meat mallet or a rolling pin to gently pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Be careful not to pound too hard, or you can tear the meat.
- This step ensures your chicken cooks through properly and keeps it juicy!
Delicious Stuffed Chicken Breast Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to cook. So, you’re looking at a total of around 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is important so that your chicken cooks evenly!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, chopped sundried tomatoes, chopped parsley, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. This will be the delicious filling for your chicken.
3. Flatten the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and place it between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using a meat mallet or a rolling pin, gently pound each breast until they are an even thickness. This helps them cook more evenly and makes them easier to stuff.
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Take a generous portion of the filling mixture and place it in the center of each chicken breast. Fold the chicken over the filling, and if needed, secure it with toothpicks to keep the filling inside.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This gives the chicken a nice color and extra flavor.
6. Add Cheese and Bake:
After searing, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each chicken breast. Then, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
7. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, carefully take them out. Slice the stuffed chicken breasts and serve warm. You can garnish with extra parsley if you like. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Another Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese for a tangy flavor, or even cheddar or Parmesan for a different profile. Just keep in mind that each type of cheese will slightly alter the taste of the filling, but they will still be delicious!
What If I Can’t Find Sundried Tomatoes?
No worries! If you can’t find sundried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes instead. Just chop them finely and sauté them briefly to remove some moisture before adding to the filling. Alternatively, a bit of tomato paste in the filling can add great flavor as well!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Stuffed Chicken Breast?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature to preserve the moisture, or warm it in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel to avoid drying out.
Can I Freeze Stuffed Chicken Breasts?
Yes, you can freeze them! After cooking, let the chicken cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
