Are you in the mood for a delicious and healthy meal that will impress your family or guests without spending hours in the kitchen? Look no further than our delightful Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken recipe! This dish brings together tender chicken breasts with a flavorful spinach and cheese filling, creating a perfect balance of savory goodness in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!
Title: Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for cooking
– Toothpicks
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a smooth and creamy filling.
3. Carefully butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally, without cutting all the way through, to create a pocket for the stuffing. Season the inside of each breast with a little salt and pepper.
4. Spoon the spinach filling into the pocket of each chicken breast, distributing it evenly. Be generous with the filling but make sure you can still close the breast around it.
5. Secure the openings of the chicken breasts with toothpicks to keep the filling inside during cooking.
6. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the stuffed chicken breasts and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
7. Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish and place them in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Once done, remove the toothpicks from the chicken breasts and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. Serve your Easy Spinach Stuffed Chicken hot, accompanied by a side of your choice such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the flavor-packed goodness!
If you have any leftover stuffed chicken, it makes a delightful meal prep option for the next day’s lunch. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before enjoying. This recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your weeknight dinners without too much hassle. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!
