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Flavorful Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Goat Cheese

stuffed chicken breast with spinach and goat cheese - featured image

A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe featuring creamy goat cheese and sautéed spinach, perfect for a cozy dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (68 oz / 170-225g each), butterflied
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 120g), sautéed lightly
  • 4 oz (115g) goat cheese, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing and drizzling)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or thyme), chopped (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure stuffed chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Butterfly the chicken breasts by slicing horizontally through the middle without cutting all the way through, creating a pocket. Pound gently with a meat mallet if needed to even out thickness to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm).
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted and most moisture evaporates (3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Stir in softened goat cheese, lemon zest, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper into the spinach mixture.
  4. Spoon the spinach and goat cheese mixture evenly into each chicken pocket. Secure with toothpicks or tie with kitchen twine to hold the filling inside.
  5. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Place stuffed chicken breasts seam-side down and cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for another 3 minutes.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the skillet or move chicken breasts to a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

Use kale or Swiss chard as spinach substitutes. For dairy-free, swap goat cheese with plant-based cheese or cashew spread. Secure chicken well to prevent filling leakage. Use a meat thermometer for best results. Rest chicken after baking to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, spinach, goat cheese, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight meal