Description
Stuffed Chicken Breast is a flavorful and easy-to-make dinner featuring juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy, savory mixture of cream cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and garlic. Seared for a golden crust and then baked to perfection, this dish is perfect for weeknights or special occasions when you want a delicious, impressive meal without extra effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the chicken breasts.
- Prepare Chicken Pockets: Slice a pocket into the side of each chicken breast carefully, ensuring not to cut all the way through to hold the stuffing.
- Make Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella or provolone, chopped spinach, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning, stirring until well mixed.
- Stuff Chicken: Evenly fill each chicken breast pocket with the prepared filling. If necessary, secure the pocket with toothpicks to keep the stuffing inside.
- Season Chicken: Season the outside of each stuffed chicken breast with salt, black pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a light golden brown crust.
- Bake Chicken: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the greased baking dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) ensuring thorough cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes out of the oven before serving to retain juiciness and flavor.
Notes
- Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- Swap fresh spinach for kale or roasted red peppers to customize the filling.
- Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative but will require a longer bake time to cook through.
- Leftover stuffed chicken breast can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Baking
- Cuisine: American
