Description
French-inspired spinach and cheese stuffed chicken delivers elegant dinner magic on your plate. Juicy chicken breasts packed with creamy cheese and tender spinach create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Fillings:
- ½ cup (120 grams) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup (28 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (30 grams) fresh spinach, chopped
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare your culinary workspace by heating the oven to a precise 375°F (190°C), creating an ideal environment for transforming raw chicken into a delectable masterpiece.
- Carefully navigate a sharp knife through each chicken breast, crafting a delicate pocket without piercing completely through the meat, forming a concealed chamber for the upcoming flavor explosion.
- Combine chopped spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan, mozzarella, mayonnaise, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl, whisking these ingredients into a harmonious, creamy filling that promises rich, complex flavors.
- Gently introduce the prepared filling into the chicken’s hidden pockets, ensuring even distribution while using toothpicks to secure the openings and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Massage the exterior of the chicken breasts with olive oil, then generously dust with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, creating a tantalizing outer layer that will caramelize and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Transfer the prepared chicken to a lightly greased baking dish, sliding it into the preheated oven and allowing it to roast for approximately 25-30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- After removing from the oven, let the chicken rest momentarily, allowing internal juices to redistribute and ensuring each slice remains succulent and bursting with layered flavors.
Notes
- Keep toothpicks handy to secure filling and prevent leakage during baking.
- Chicken breasts should be similar in size for even cooking and consistent stuffing.
- Use fresh spinach instead of frozen for a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg