Description
Succulent stuffed chicken delight merges Mediterranean flavors with elegant technique. Herbed cheese and roasted vegetables create a gourmet experience you’ll savor with each delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless skinless chicken fillets
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, softened
- 3 cups packed spinach, roughly chopped
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ⅓ cup Parmesan, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch red pepper flakes
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F and simultaneously sauté spinach with garlic in a skillet until wilted and fragrant.
- Filling Creation: Combine sautéed spinach with sun-dried tomatoes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, herbs, and spices to craft a rich, creamy mixture.
- Chicken Preparation: Butterfly chicken breasts carefully, creating an expansive pocket for the filling while maintaining meat integrity.
- Stuffing and Seasoning: Generously fill each chicken breast with the prepared mixture, seal edges securely, and coat exterior with salt, pepper, and complementary herbs.
- Searing and Roasting: Brown chicken in a hot skillet to develop a golden crust, then transfer to a baking dish and roast in the preheated oven until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Resting and Serving: Let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring a tender and succulent final presentation before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Precision Butterfly Technique: Cut chicken carefully, creating a deep pocket without piercing through, ensuring filling stays contained during cooking.
- Cheese Melting Tip: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and more even distribution within the filling mixture.
- Moisture Locking Method: Searing chicken before oven roasting creates a protective golden crust that seals in natural juices and prevents drying.
- Temperature Safety Check: Use meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg