Description
A weeknight recipe that feels fancy, featuring tender chicken breasts filled with a creamy mix of spinach, cream cheese, and mozzarella, seared and finished in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6–8 oz each)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for searing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle.
- In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry. Cut a horizontal pocket into the thickest side of each breast, keeping the edges intact.
- Stuff each pocket with the cheese-spinach mixture, leaving space for the filling to expand.
- Heat 1–2 tablespoons olive oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Notes
For a lighter version, swap half the cream cheese for low-fat ricotta. This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: stuffed chicken, spinach, cheese, weeknight dinner, easy recipe