– **Title**: Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until well combined.
3. Using a sharp knife, gently make a pocket in each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach and cheese mixture, using toothpicks to secure the openings if necessary.
5. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Remove from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then remove toothpicks (if used) and garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, turkey breasts work well too. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the internal temperature.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a lovely flavor and texture. If you can’t find it, frozen spinach can be used; just make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess moisture. Kale is also a solid alternative for a different green option.
Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient for a creamy filling. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt. It’ll give a tangy flavor while keeping it creamy. Vegan cream cheese is also a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
Cheeses: I love the combo of mozzarella and Parmesan because they melt beautifully and add great flavor. You can swap mozzarella for provolone or even cheddar. For dairy-free, try a nut-based cheese that melts well!
Olive Oil: Olive oil is my go-to for sautéing, but you can use any cooking oil you have on hand, like canola or avocado oil. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but they’ll all do the job.
What’s the Best Way to Stuff Chicken Breasts Without Making a Mess?
Stuffing chicken breasts can be tricky but easy when you follow these steps. Start by slicing a pocket into the chicken, but be careful not to cut all the way through. This helps keep the filling inside!
- Use a sharp knife and make a horizontal cut along the side of the chicken breast.
- Use a spoon or your fingers to gently stuff the mixture in. Don’t overfill; a little goes a long way!
- If your filling starts spilling out, it’s okay! Just secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold everything together.
This method keeps the filling in place, while also ensuring that all those delicious flavors stay trapped inside while cooking!
How to Make Cream Cheese Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Filling:
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for baking)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 45 minutes to have these wonderful creamy stuffed chicken breasts ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, turn your oven on and preheat it to 375°F (190°C). This way, it will be hot and ready when your chicken is stuffed and seared.
2. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir them all together until everything is well mixed and creamy.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and use a sharp knife to carefully slice a pocket into it. Make sure not to cut all the way through so it can hold the delicious filling. You want it to look like a little pouch!
4. Stuff the Chicken:
Now, take that tasty cream cheese spinach mixture and stuff it into each chicken breast pocket. If needed, you can use toothpicks to help keep the filling inside while cooking.
5. Sear the Chicken:
In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the outside of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they become golden brown and delicious.
6. Add Broth and Bake:
If you like, you can pour in some chicken broth around the chicken for added moisture—it’s optional but tasty! Then transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the juices to run clear (aim for an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This makes sure your chicken stays juicy. Then, it’s time to slice and serve your creamy, cheesy stuffed chicken breast! Enjoy your fabulous meal!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you opt for frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture before mixing it with the cream cheese. This helps avoid a watery filling that could affect the texture of your chicken.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! If you don’t have chicken broth, you can substitute it with water, white wine, or vegetable broth. Feel free to add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of garlic powder for extra flavor if you’re using water.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed chicken breasts up to a day in advance. Just stuff and sear the chicken, then store it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before placing it in the oven to ensure even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave until heated through. Chicken may dry out a bit, so consider adding a small splash of chicken broth during reheating to keep it moist!
