Make juicy chicken breasts filled with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. This recipe is quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive for guests.
Author:zoe-thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
Prepare the chicken: Place each chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap. Pound the thickest part gently with a meat mallet until the breast is an even thickness, about 1/2 inch. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Make the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped spinach, softened cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and nutmeg if using. Mix until the filling is uniform.
Stuff the chicken: Cut a deep pocket horizontally into the side of each chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Fill each pocket evenly with the spinach and cheese mixture. Secure the opening with toothpicks if necessary to keep the filling inside.
Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the stuffed chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a light golden crust.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear.
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Let it rest for 5 minutes before removing any toothpicks. Serve immediately.
Notes
For the best results and to prevent a watery filling, squeeze excess moisture from the fresh spinach after chopping.
If you do not have an oven-safe skillet, sear the chicken in a regular skillet, then transfer it to a prepared baking dish before placing it in the oven.
This dish fits low carb and keto diet plans when served without starchy sides.