Transform your chicken dinner into a culinary delight with this exquisite Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken recipe. Tender chicken breasts are generously stuffed with a rich spinach and cheese blend, then oven-baked to golden perfection. This dish not only boasts incredible flavor but also looks stunning on the plate, making it ideal for both family meals and special events.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Toothpicks (for securing the chicken)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing them horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through. Open them up like a book.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning until well combined.
- Stuff the Chicken:
- Divide the cream cheese mixture evenly among the chicken breasts, placing the filling on one side of each butterflied breast.
- Fold the other side over the filling and secure the edges with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Warm olive oil in a spacious, oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the stuffed chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the filling is hot and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts before serving.
- Serve the stuffed chicken hot, with your favorite side dishes.
Conclusion
This Spinach and Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delightful and flavorful dish that will impress your family and guests. The creamy spinach filling pairs perfectly with the juicy chicken, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and elegant. Enjoy this easy-to-make recipe that turns a simple chicken breast into a gourmet experience!