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Tender Stuffed Chicken Breast with Spinach and Cheese

tender stuffed chicken breast with spinach and cheese - featured image

A quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe filled with fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses, perfect for a comforting and elegant dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 ounces / 170 grams each)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (about 120 grams)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano and basil), optional
  • Zest of half a lemon
  • Toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure the chicken breasts

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, shredded mozzarella, crumbled feta, minced garlic, lemon zest, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix well; the filling should be moist but not watery.
  3. Carefully cut a horizontal pocket into the side of each chicken breast without cutting all the way through.
  4. Spoon the filling evenly into each chicken breast pocket. Do not overstuff. Secure the openings with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
  5. Brush the outside of the chicken breasts lightly with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and a bit more Italian seasoning.
  6. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish after searing.
  8. Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to keep it juicy and allow the filling to settle.
  9. Remove toothpicks or twine, slice if desired, and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not overstuff the chicken to prevent it from breaking open during cooking. Searing before baking locks in moisture and creates a golden crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Let the chicken rest after baking to keep it juicy. If using frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid soggy filling.

Nutrition

Keywords: stuffed chicken breast, spinach and cheese, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy chicken, weeknight meal, comfort food