Description
A flavorful and savory dish featuring chicken breasts stuffed with a creamy spinach and sun-dried tomato filling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup white wine or chicken broth (for pan sauce)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for pan sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for pan sauce)
- 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or basil) (for pan sauce)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, Parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for the stuffing.
- Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each chicken breast.
- Stuff each chicken breast with the spinach mixture and secure with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and thyme.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown (about 4-5 minutes per side).
- Transfer chicken to a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and juices run clear.
- (Optional) In the same skillet, add white wine or chicken broth, butter, lemon juice, and herbs to create a pan sauce; simmer until slightly reduced.
- Serve the stuffed chicken with the pan sauce drizzled on top.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or pasta.
- Using fresh herbs will enhance the flavor of the pan sauce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking & Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 115mg